### demonstrations in Kinshasa: when the anger of the people comes up against the uncertainty of the present
On January 28, 2025, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, lived a catastrophic day, marked by spontaneous demonstrations that took a violent turn. This movement, initially intended to denounce the Rwandan aggression in the east of the country, illustrating an accumulated frustration towards latent conflicts, quickly deviated towards chaos, with acts of vandalism targeting infrastructure, including Diplomatic representations and companies such as Faricell DRC.
#### Context: between geopolitical frustrations and internal instability
The DRC, often described as “heart of Africa”, was the scene of prolonged conflicts, fueled by ethnic rivalries and geopolitical interests. The Rwandan aggression in the East, through groups like M23 and the Congo River Alliance (AFC), exacerbates a feeling of nationalism and an increasing desire for sovereignty among the Congolese. These demonstrations, which illustrate deep anger, are also based on a wide range of internal problems: bad governance, corruption, and poverty that affect a majority of the population.
### A reaction reaction: the role of national companies
The targeting of Africell, a well -established telecommunications company in the region, raises questions about how companies can be perceived as accomplices of a faulty system. In a context where connectivity has become synonymous with access to information and economic power, the anger of the demonstrators seems to turn against a symbol of this modernity which they deem accessible only to an disconnected elite.
Indeed, this recalls past episodes where companies have been taken in the turmoil of popular movements, whether through strikes or civil disobedience. The economic impacts of such acts can be devastating for local and foreign companies, creating a vicious circle where instability hinders investments and aggravates the economic situation.
#### A call for reflection: from revolt to empowerment
Beyond simple anger, these poignant events raise the question of civic responsibility. The manifestations, although justified by the pain of a suffering people, specify an imperative need to definition of peaceful and constructive practices. For the Congolese, it would be crucial to transform this indignation into a positive political will, seeking to initiate a dialogue with the authorities and to promote viable solutions.
### Perspectives: towards an armed conflict or a unified movement?
The growing magnitude of these demonstrations could be interpreted as increasing pressure on the Congolese government to act in the face of the Rwandan threat. However, the danger lies in the potential for erosion of dialogue between citizens and institutions. Politicians must realize that true power lies in the ability of the people to unite for good causes, rather than yielding to despair.
Revealing statistics also show an intensification of social movements in Central Africa in recent years. According to data collected by research agencies, the number of events jumped 40 % in 2023 compared to the previous year, a figure that could have been amplified by continuous economic recessions and the rise of inequality in a countries rich in resources.
#### Conclusion: the voice of the people must be heard
The current situation in Kinshasa is a powerful call for action. If the manifestations can turn to chaos, they also reveal a deep desire for change and social justice. To transform this dissatisfaction into palpable progress, it is essential that Congolese leaders listen to and meet the needs of their population. In the long term, building a bridge between citizenship, social responsibility and political commitment will be essential to the stabilization of the country and the fight against collective revenge against structures which, although imperfect, are the only ones available to approach current challenges.
Thus, by sailing in the uncertainty of a tumultuous present, will the DRC find itself at the crossroads: to continue on the path of desolation or embrace a peaceful and constructive rebirth? Only the future will say, but one thing is certain: the voice of the Congolese must now be heard.