The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to fuel debate. This Thursday, June 8, 2023, the Alternative for a New Congo (ACN) was officially launched in Kinshasa. This political platform brings together members of civil society, citizen movements, political organizations and independent personalities. It presents itself as the third political way in the DRC, in view of the elections of December 2023.
The press conference organized by the ACN, at the Center d’Etude pour l’Action Sociale (CEPAS), was an opportunity for its members to take stock of the situation in the country, after more than sixty years of ‘independence. They denounced the predatory system of governance maintained by the current political class. This system is based on anti-values such as tribalism, clientelism, embezzlement of public funds, corruption, among others.
Faced with these observations, the Alternative for a New Congo proposes, among other things, to redress the governance of the State, so that the interests of the population take priority over the personal and partisan interests of the political leaders. She also wishes to qualitatively renew the Congolese political class, by prioritizing the place of young people and women. Finally, it is committed to transforming potential into wealth and distributing it fairly to citizens.
It is important to note that the DRC is going through a period of tension and uncertainty. The searches carried out in the homes of political opponents have heightened tensions between the authorities and the opposition. The deployment of police in the town of Kikwit, which is facing a wave of violence, has also fueled fears of an escalation in violence.
In this context, the launch of the ACN is a sign of hope for the many Congolese who aspire to radical political and social change. Nevertheless, the road will be long and strewn with pitfalls for this political platform which wants to be the third way in the DRC.
In short, political alternation is vital for the DRC. It is time for political leaders to become aware of the issues and challenges facing this country rich in natural resources. Initiatives like that of the ACN are therefore salutary to breathe new life into political life in the DRC.