### Kasaï Central: The Crucial Meeting between Joseph-Moïse Kambulu and Deputy Prime Minister Jacquemain Shabani
On January 6, 2024, the Governor of Kasaï Central, Joseph-Moïse Kambulu, traveled to Kinshasa for a crucial consultation with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Jacquemain Shabani. This meeting, which took place behind closed doors, raises pertinent questions on the collaboration between the central government and the provinces, as well as on the persistent challenges facing this resource-rich but often neglected region.
#### A Context of Crisis and Need for Intervention
The province of Kasaï Central is not narrow in its concerns: problems of access to drinking water, electricity and basic infrastructure have been identified as priorities, as recalled by the Governor’s Special Advisor, Benjamin Tutakabatuisha. During the meeting marking the presence of the President of the Republic, these concerns had been highlighted by the population of Central Kasai. This climate of crisis exacerbates the living conditions of millions of Congolese, thus increasing tension and desires for structural change.
A thorough analysis reveals that these issues are often a reflection of inefficient resource management and a lack of long-term strategic planning. In 2022, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics, approximately 40% of the population of Central Kasai lived below the poverty line, which speaks volumes about the urgency of a galvanized response by the government.
#### Decentralization: An Evolution between Promises and Realities
The meeting between Kambulu and Shabani must be considered in the broader context of political and administrative decentralization in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although decentralization laws were passed to devolve responsibilities to provincial governments, implementation has been uneven, sometimes leaving provinces, such as Kasai Central, with unresolved systemic challenges.
Moreover, such a meeting could mark a turning point. The Deputy Prime Minister’s statements underscore the importance of a collaborative approach, but the reality on the ground remains worrying. A 2023 survey found that more than 60% of local leaders believe their views are not taken into account in central decision-making. This can erode people’s trust in their leaders, creating a gap between promises and actions.
#### Development Perspectives and Socio-Political Issues
Beyond infrastructure issues, Kambulu’s meeting with Minister Shabani also raises the question of governance and socio-political expectations within Kasai Central. Provincial elections scheduled for 2024 could bring significant changes to the local political landscape. The lack of a concrete response to the current humanitarian crisis could translate into increased social mobilization, as evidenced by the civil society movement that advocates for greater transparency in resource management.
From an economic perspective, it is imperative to consider partnerships with the private sector to develop infrastructure projects, but this requires integrated planning. Initiatives such as the establishment of community health programs, access to education and basic services can transform the face of the province if they are piloted effectively.
#### Towards a Collective and Sustainable Mobilization
As Joseph-Moïse Kambulu likely returns to his jurisdiction with clear challenges to address, this meeting can be seen as an opportunity to strengthen the links between the central and provincial governments for an integrated approach to development. The interaction between these two levels of governance could consecrate the effect of a concrete action plan.
In short, the future of Kasaï Central will depend not only on political will but also on the commitment of social actors to work together. This will require a collective awareness that reform, to be effective, must be accompanied by a fluid dialogue between the different actors in society. Decentralization reform could then become a powerful means of attracting investment and providing essential services, but this will only happen if the involvement of citizens and taking their expectations into account become central to this dynamic.