Congolese intellectuals and the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo: an alarming observation
In a message broadcast recently, Jules Alingete, Inspector General and Head of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), drew up an alarming report on the role of Congolese intellectuals in the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite the advantages that some have received from the Congolese government, it would seem that these intellectuals did not work for the progress of the country.
Jules Alingete points to certain contracts signed by these “Sons of the country”, which have in reality been detrimental to the DRC, to the benefit of individual interests. He refers in particular to the Chinese contract signed in 2008, which would have caused disadvantages for the country. According to the IGF, Congolese intellectuals do not carry within them the light that is supposed to enlighten society, but are on the contrary a brake on the development of the country.
By analyzing in detail the Chinese contract, Jules Alingete points out that Congolese intellectuals are responsible for thousands of deaths, since their decisions can have disastrous consequences for the country. They would have contributed to the plundering of the country’s resources by inserting provisions favorable to foreign companies, sometimes making it difficult or even impossible to revisit contracts in the event of a dispute. In addition, some contracts would even provide that any conflict should be resolved in foreign courts, which poses serious sovereign problems for the Republic.
These findings are all the more worrying since the DRC has nevertheless trained many intellectuals for free, who then betrayed the trust of their country. Jules Alingete deplores this situation, describing these acts as “disgusting” and a dagger in the back of the Republic.
Faced with this observation, the Public Expenditure Observatory (ODEP) calls on the authorities to prosecute all those who have favored the looting of the DRC’s resources, in order to preserve the national interest. Jules Alingete invites Congolese intellectuals to become aware of their role in society and to work for the good of their country, renouncing any project that could harm society.
It is therefore necessary for Congolese intellectuals to assume their responsibilities and truly engage in the development of the country. Their contribution is essential to enable the Democratic Republic of Congo to prosper and emerge from the prejudicial situation in which it currently finds itself.
In conclusion, it is time for Congolese intellectuals to wake up and put their skills at the service of the development of their country. It is urgent to put an end to this situation where disadvantageous contracts are signed to the detriment of the Republic. The DRC needs the enlightenment of its intellectuals to move towards a better future. It is time for them to take their responsibility and act as real agents of progress for the good of all Congolese