**The Communication Strategy of the Congolese State: Reactions to Disinformation and Security Instability**
On February 3, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finds itself at a critical crossroads in terms of both security and communication. President Félix Tshisekedi recently spoke about this topic during the 30th ordinary session of the Council of Ministers, highlighting the urgent need to structure institutional communication in the face of disinformation campaigns originating from Rwanda. This situation echoes a broader problem that transcends the borders of the DRC and affects many nations facing the challenges posed by aggression and information manipulation.
### The rise of disinformation: a global phenomenon
Disinformation has become a global problem that disproportionately affects states in conflict. According to a UNESCO report, nearly 60% of governments in countries affected by conflict have reported targeted disinformation campaigns. The DRC is observing this trend with alarming intensity. Rwanda, as the alleged aggressor, is taking advantage of Kinshasa’s communication and organizational weaknesses to propagate narratives that run counter to the Congolese position.
Digital platforms such as TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) have become battlegrounds for information wars. The reported access cuts in the DRC are not only the result of an attempt to censor false information, but also a response to organizational paralysis in the dissemination of a coherent and favorable narrative.
### Félix Tshisekedi’s strategic response: a proactive policy
Félix Tshisekedi, in his speech, stressed the importance of unified communication to counter this disinformation. He presents an approach beyond simple communication, by integrating hermeneutics and psychological warfare strategy. The establishment of an ad hoc crisis unit is a crucial initiative that could, if executed effectively, lead to a transformation of public mentalities.
The challenge also lies in the application of strict communication discipline that reduces unwanted noise around ministerial speeches. This requirement is essential not only to strengthen the DRC’s position domestically, but also to influence international opinion, which is often saturated with unverified information. It should be recalled that studies have shown that coincident and verified communication can increase public trust in institutions by an average of 32%.
### Informing to mobilize: a permanent challenge
In his call for “clear, fair and verified” information, Tshisekedi reaffirms a palpable need: that of mobilizing the population. Far from being a simple question of political communication, it is a call for collective resilience. The challenge is all the greater when we consider that false information, by its viral nature, can generate ripple effects within the population, including actions of despair or distrust towards institutions.
### Comparison with other States: lessons to be learned
At this point, it is interesting to look at the experiences of other countries that have faced similar situations. Let us take the example of Ukraine during the current conflict: the Ukrainian government has developed a communication strategy that not only mobilizes its institutions, but also engages citizens as vectors of information. In addition, the experience of the United States in the fight against disinformation during the 2020 elections has demonstrated that educational campaigns on fact-checking can transform Internet users into valuable allies in the fight against disinformation.
### Conclusion: The Future of Communication in the DRC
In sum, the fight against disinformation in the DRC, while of immediate and urgent relevance, must be integrated into a long-term reflection. The implementation of a coherent, responsible and decentralized communication strategy could offer the Congolese a platform for exchanging information that strengthens their sense of belonging.
As the DRC embarks on this path, it is crucial that the government also listens to the voices of citizens and their concerns, thus creating a synergy that strengthens national cohesion and undermines the foundations of disinformation campaigns. Through the good use of technology and social networks, the Congolese can become actors in their own narrative, helping to transform a crisis into an opportunity for national renewal and unity in the face of adversity.