Fatshimetrie, October 21, 2024. A day of exciting communication and exchanges is planned for Wednesday at the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa. Indeed, this unique event, organized in partnership with the Swiss Embassy in the DRC, will highlight the captivating theme of “Direct democracy in Switzerland and democratic and decentralized governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo: What reality? What perspective?”.
This bold initiative, orchestrated by the office of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa, aims to stimulate enriching discussions between provincial deputies and key actors interested in issues of democracy and governance. It is also about strengthening ties between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Switzerland, two nations with warm bilateral relations, focusing in particular on development cooperation, humanitarian aid and migration cooperation.
However, despite these positive relations, economic exchanges between the two countries remain modest. The limited presence of Swiss multinationals in the Democratic Republic of Congo contrasts with the country’s considerable economic potential. Congolese imports from Switzerland are mainly focused on agricultural and forestry products, reflecting a limited trade that nevertheless offers prospects for expansion and diversification.
This meeting on direct democracy in Switzerland and democratic governance in the DRC proves to be a unique opportunity to put the political practices of the two countries into perspective, to exchange experiences and to consider future collaborations to strengthen democratic and decentralized governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In short, this day of communication and exchanges promises to be rich in lessons and reflections, paving the way for strengthened cooperation between Switzerland and the DRC in the areas of democracy, governance and development. An opportunity not to be missed to lay the foundations for a fruitful and mutually beneficial collaboration for both countries.