In a socio-political context as troubled as that of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the speech delivered by President Félix Tshisekedi on January 29, 2025 deserves special attention, both for its content and for the diversity of perspectives it raises. His words, broadcast live on RTNC, resonate as a call for resistance and resilience, in the face of a security crisis that is intensifying in the east of the country.
**A rhetoric of resistance: a collective narrative of hope?**
Félix Tshisekedi has played on the sensitive chord of Congolese national identity. By launching a call for national unity, he evokes more than a simple political gesture; he draws on the collective memory of a country that, for decades, has struggled with recurring conflicts and insecurities. His insistence on the need to unite behind the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) can be interpreted as an attempt to unite the ranks around an army often criticized for its inability to manage the security situation. By calling for the mobilization of all social strata, including young people, Tshisekedi seeks to create a popular movement that transcends partisan and ethnic divisions.
However, is this vision of unity achievable? Recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) show that approximately 5 million people are displaced across the country, with a large concentration of them in the eastern provinces. These figures illustrate the tragic scale of the humanitarian crisis, and it seems that the general mood is more marked by fear and mistrust than by solidarity. The possibility of creating a united front under the national flag thus proves complex, and the president’s efforts will have to face precarious socio-economic realities.
**Dialogue and lucidity: a duality that is difficult to reconcile**
By speaking of prioritizing dialogue while affirming the need to defend the territory by all means, the president oscillates between a pacifist posture and a warlike disposition. This ambivalent discourse could prove counterproductive. The international community, to which he sends a dig by denouncing its passivity, has often been criticized for its inability to intervene effectively in similar crises. This duality raises questions: to what extent can Tshisekedi dialogue while calling for the arming and active mobilization of citizens? The world is watching the actions of the DRC, but actions must now follow words.
**A long-term vision on the humanitarian level**
The instruction given to the Suminwa government to activate a humanitarian emergency plan is a necessary response, but perhaps not sufficient. Considering the scale of the situation, the challenges to be met remain enormous.. Establishing effective assistance programs is a priority, but aid must also be accompanied by a long-term vision for the socio-economic development of the affected regions. A report published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in 2022 stressed that rehabilitation and sustainable development are crucial to prevent the recurrence of violence.
In this regard, Tshisekedi’s emphasis on the role of young people in building a strong nation is heartening. However, it is essential that this commitment is supported by concrete policies for access to education, employment and health, otherwise the call to serve under the flag risks hitting a wall of despair and disillusionment.
**Conclusion: A Double-Edged Speech**
President Félix Tshisekedi’s speech is a poignant call for unity in the face of adversity, but it must also be accompanied by concrete initiatives and a renewed commitment to human rights, social justice and inclusive dialogue. The future of the DRC depends on everyone’s ability to transform these words into tangible actions. The challenge is to move from the rhetoric of resistance to a reality of solidarity and development. Ultimately, peace cannot be bought; it is built in everyday life, through a strong collective commitment, fueled by socio-economic renaissance programs and genuine political will.
This speech, while inspiring, must not mask the harsh reality facing the Congolese people. The mobilization of the Congolese around the FARDC and humanitarian aid must be supported by funds, real support from the international community, and above all a paradigm shift towards inclusive and proactive governance. Only such actions will ensure the sustainability of peace and the sustainable development of a nation that the world admires so much for its wealth, but which still suffers from poverty and instability.