**Title: Towards collective resilience: Félix Tshisekedi’s call to action for the crisis in Goma**
On January 25, 2025, the political and humanitarian landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was marked by an urgent call for action from President Félix Tshisekedi. The Head of State instructed Prime Minister Judith Suminwa to lead a comfort mission to Goma, in response to the alarming security situation affecting this region. In examining this directive, a crucial question arises: how can such an initiative foster social resilience and promote cooperation within the various strata of Congolese society?
### A troubled security context
The security situation in Goma and eastern DRC has reached a critical point, exacerbated by armed conflicts and the massive arrival of displaced persons. The consequences of these protracted crises resonate beyond simple insecurity statistics. Indeed, according to recent data, nearly 5 million people have been displaced across the country, a figure that underscores the extent to which this issue requires immediate and concerted attention.
In this context, Tshisekedi’s decision to mandate his Prime Minister and bring together members of the government, parliamentarians, and other key actors gives a new dimension to the humanitarian challenge. This inter-institutional approach is not only a political response, it also embodies an attempt to build a sense of solidarity and cohesion in a country where divisions are often exacerbated by the crisis.
### The Honorable Disappeared: A Revealing Tribute
The recent death of the military governor of North Kivu, announced by the spokesperson for the Congolese Army, illustrates the human and personal cost of this crisis. In many conflicts, the disappearance of leading figures is not only a political loss; it often represents a breakdown in trust between the population and decision-makers. The promise of appropriate honours for the deceased governor raises questions about the importance given to personalising collective suffering.
Furthermore, these circumstances evoke historical echoes. Reflecting on past crises, such as the civil war of the 1990s, it would be appropriate to consider how respect for the honourable departed could be integrated into broader efforts at reconciliation and reconstruction. This gesture, although symbolic, can strengthen the social fabric by recalling the sacrifices made for peace and unity.
### Towards collective resilience: the role of displaced persons and governors
The intention to invite provincial governors to take measures for war-displaced persons also marks an awareness of the interconnections between the different levels of authority in the DRC. Their actions must be informed by an understanding of the basic needs of these populations in distress, whether it is access to food, health or education.
Studies show that provinces that have put in place integrated policies to address these basic needs have seen significant improvements in their stability. By integrating the displaced into crisis response planning, governors are invited to be the architects of a systemic approach to sustainability. These measures can establish a culture of civic engagement where each actor, in their field and at their level, sees themselves as vital to the social fabric and national reconstruction.
### The call to action: the need for effective communication
Communication between the government and the population plays a vital role in the effectiveness of these initiatives. The statement by the government spokesperson is only a first step. For the Prime Minister’s mission to succeed, increased transparency and feedback mechanisms must be established. Such a dynamic could also ease tensions between authorities and citizens, ultimately fostering a climate more conducive to peace.
In short, the initiative launched by Félix Tshisekedi is more than just a political gesture; it represents a crucial opportunity to rebuild a sense of national unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. The path remains challenging, but it paves the way for a dynamic of collective resilience that could transform current challenges into levers for a more substantial future. The situation in Goma reflects a perpetual struggle for human dignity, and if this struggle is accompanied by genuine consultation between those who govern and those who are governed, it could offer a fine example of unity in the face of war and suffering.