### Congolese meetings of Pan -African thought: a cry of resilience and unity in turmoil
In a context of a security crisis exacerbated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the shadow of the occupation by foreign forces such as the Rwandan army weighs on the Eastern territories, a significant event is held: the first edition of the Congolese meetings of Pan -African thought. Organized under the inspiring theme “Standing, People of Congo!” “, This initiative held from February 15 to 20, 2025 by the cultural and artistic center of central African countries illustrates both a call for mobilization and a deep reflection on the power of culture as a tool of resistance.
In the struggle for survival and assertiveness, culture appears as the lock which seals the identity of a nation. The interventions of teachers Emmanuel Kabongo Malu and Ngoma Binda were not limited to academic reflections, but resounded as an echo of collective consciousness, mobilizing the participants around a feeling of belonging and unity in the face of adversity. The declaration of Kabongo Malu, claiming that “culture is the cement of a people”, raises a crucial question: how can culture, in all its forms, serve as a real lever in the face of external and interior threats?
### Culture as a resistance tool
In the recent history of the DRC, the struggles for self -determination have never been simply military. Social movements, cultural battles and artistic expressions have always mixed with power relations. Ngoma Binda’s comments on “cultural resistance” evoke an often neglected concept. When he underlines that cultural resistance makes it possible to “mobilize peoples”, it highlights the transformative potential of culture, not only as a mirror of identity, but also as a peaceful weapon against alienation.
Historical, Congolese culture has produced a rich heritage which has, throughout decades, served to galvanize political and social struggles. Whether it is music, visual arts or stories, these forms of expressions have often revealed hidden truths on socio-political reality and have enabled collective awareness. In view of contemporary crises, it is legitimate to consider how these cultural aspects could offer alternatives to violence and destabilization.
### A framework of union and resilience
The Congolese meetings of Pan -African thought not only created a framework for reflection and exchange, but they also rooted in a solidarity approach through a fundraising for Kivu populations. This gesture of generosity is based on a principle of sharing and mutual support which, in a society in crisis, becomes essential.
How can this type of event really contribute to the unification and reconstruction of self-confidence within a fractured society? The answer perhaps lies in Pan-African philosophy which encourages the interconnection of struggles and experiences. The idea that the challenges of the DRC are not isolated, but rather a reflection of a continental struggle against imperialism and inequalities, could strengthen a collective conscience. Looking beyond the borders, the DRC could find in the struggles of other African peoples an essential inspiration for its own resilience.
### Outlook on the future
The impact of these reflections on Congolese society could result in a revival of cultural activism in other regions of the country. Young people, often considered as vectors of change, could be particularly lit by these discourses, encouraging them to engage for their rights through forms of artistic or literary expressions. This strengthening of culture as a axis of resistance, without sinking into closed nationalism, could also provide a response to both internal and external division.
It remains to be hoped that the meetings of Pan -African thought are not a parenthesis, but a starting point for a long -term dynamic. Beyond speeches and the exchange of ideas, it is essential that this platform becomes an incubator where the intellectual, the artist, the committed citizen, and even the politician, unite to formalize concrete strategies aimed at meeting contemporary challenges.
In conclusion, the rallying cry launched by “Standing, people of the Congo!” Not only an immediate confrontation with the forces that threaten sovereignty. It is also an affirmation of cultural wealth, carrying an immense potential to bring together, raise and mobilize a nation while offering a path to the legitimacy of its fight in the quest for peace and justice. Culture, a real Ariane thread of Congolese identity, must be embraced and cultivated with vigor in the tumultuous course of this nation.