The Democratic Republic of Congo recently commemorated the sad anniversary of a little-known episode in its history. 54 years ago, students in Kinshasa rose up against the dictatorship demanding freedom and the Africanization of their university. This event was marked by numerous arbitrary arrests and police violence, including the death of some people.
Despite this tragedy, the event highlighted the educational and political issues that the DRC has been going through for several decades. The question of university education, favored by the rich, is still relevant. In certain districts of Kinshasa, the difficulties in accessing higher education are significant. Likewise, the legitimate aspirations of the demonstrators at the time, for the end of the dictatorship and for true democratization, still resonate today.
Beyond the analysis of this historical event, it is important to put the current situation of the country into perspective. The 2023 elections are approaching and the opposition remains vigilant on the issue of the transparency of the electoral process. Furthermore, police repression and internet shutdowns represent real threats to the legitimacy of the upcoming elections.
Ultimately, the DRC faces a set of challenges that require concrete and integral solutions. In terms of education, democratization, the fight against insecurity and electoral transparency, the country must rise to the occasion to raise its tricolor flag high again and again on the African and international scene.