Congolese intellectuals and the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo
We see today that despite the large number of intellectuals in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they have not really contributed to the development of the country. This is at least what Jules Alingete, Inspector General and Head of Department of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) underlines in a message sent recently. According to him, some contracts signed by these intellectuals have rather been detrimental to the country.
He refers in particular to the Chinese contract signed in 2008, which had disastrous consequences for the Republic. Indeed, the IGF notes that Congolese intellectuals have often put in place clauses that are not favorable to the country. For example, the possibility of revisiting the contract poses major problems, and certain clauses stipulate that disputes must be settled by foreign courts, which is detrimental to the Republic.
This alarming finding raises questions about the role of Congolese intellectuals in society. Instead of representing a beacon of progress and development, they are perceived as a brake on the development of the country.
The Public Expenditure Observatory (ODEP) also calls on the authorities to prosecute those who have favored the plundering of the DRC’s resources by foreign companies, thus underlining the importance of making these intellectuals responsible.
Faced with this situation, Jules Alingete calls on intellectuals to become aware of their role in society and to act in favor of the development of the Republic. He encourages them to be beacons of Alexandria, to bring beneficial lights to society, and to renounce any project that could lead to the destruction of the country.
It is therefore time for Congolese intellectuals to put their talent and skills at the service of the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They have a responsibility to actively contribute to building a better future for their country, putting aside personal interests and working for the common good. The Republic needs their commitment and expertise to meet the challenges and build a prosperous future for all Congolese