### Lucha in Kalemie: a cry of heart for soldiers and a call to social justice
On March 7, 2025, in the city of Kalemie, the province of Tanganyika, a citizen movement risen with palpable energy. The Lucha, which advocates change in a tumultuous socio-political context, expressed a daring claim: the reduction of the salaries of elected officials for the benefit of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). This gesture, far from being a simple protest, questions the country’s budgetary priorities and underlines the growing disparities between the political elites and those who defend national sovereignty on the ground.
### The symbolism of claims
Bearing posters where we can read strong messages like “our FARDC soldiers deserve a good salary, more than senators and deputies”, Lucha members call for a reallocation of resources which, according to them, would not only serve to provide financial support to the army, but also to straighten a feeling of abandonment among those who risk their lives daily. This cry of anger follows from a bitter reality, that of a conflict which has already cost more than 8,000 lives, an alarming figure which attests to the urgency of effective action in the face of constant threats.
### A historical and socio-economic context
To understand the magnitude of this demand, it is crucial to locate it in a broader context. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country rich in resources, but paradoxically, one of the poorest nations in the world. According to a report by the World Bank, almost 73 % of the population lives below the poverty line. With this in mind, parliamentarians’ wages, often criticized to be exorbitant in comparison with socio-economic reality, arouse legitimate indignation.
In comparison, countries where the standard of living is comparable to tax revenues and the industrial base, such as Mali or the Central African Republic, offer wages much lower than those of Congolese parliamentarians, while also having similar socio-economic challenges. This kind of comparison highlights the growing ditch between rulers and governed, thus increasing the feeling of ineffectiveness among citizens about their political representation.
### A strategy for stability and peace
The president of the Senate, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, visiting Kalemie to mobilize young people around enrollment in the FARDC, insists on the importance of solidarity and national unity. However, the press and public opinion could question: mobilizing without responding to the concrete and urgent concerns of citizens sufficient to build a strong nation?
The example of nations having crossed similar wars, such as Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, shows that investments in the armed forces must be accompanied by fair social measures to stabilize a country. DDR (demobilization, disarmament and reintegration) is an often used approach, which must include a broader vision of the well-being of soldiers, restoring them dignity and a place in post-conflict society.
### Towards a civic reflection
Beyond the claims of Lucha activists, the moment seems conducive to a broader reflection on our governance model. The current political reality in the DRC requires a sincere and inclusive dialogue, where citizen claims are taken into account by our elected officials. As such, a movement like Lucha carefully deserves to be heard, and its recommendations could help reduce extreme inequalities, while valuing those who fight for the peace and integrity of the country.
### Conclusion
The appeal of Lucha to Kalemie is not just a simple justice request for the military, it is also an invitation to rethink the way in which national resources are allocated. The consequences of this wage inequality are disastrous, not only for FARDC, but also for the entire Congolese social structure. Political and civil actors will have to work hand in hand to transform these claims into concrete policies, in order to build a Democratic Republic of the Congo where each citizen, whether a soldier or civil, may feel respected and valued.