### The parliamentary session of Mars: opportunity or test for Congolese democracy?
This Saturday, March 15, 2023, the Palais du Peuple de Kinshasa is preparing to welcome the return of Congolese parliamentarians for an ordinary session which promises to be crucial. While deputies and senators resume their functions after three months of parliamentary vacation, the context in which this meeting takes place recalls the unprecedented challenges that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is confronted. The fall in strategic cities like Goma and Bukavu, under the assault of the M23/AFC armed group supported by Rwanda, not only underlines a security crisis, but also a questioning of the integrity, resilience and capacity of the Congolese political class to deal with an existential threat.
This session is particularly significant, because it occurs at a time when the interaction between the legislative power and the executive could prove to be decisive for the immediate future of the country. According to the president of the Senate, Jean Pierre Lihau, the Parliament is called upon to play a critical role in terms of legislation, but also with regard to the supervision of the budget allocated to national security. This raises questions about the impact that these decisions could have on a population already experienced by decades of instability.
### Analysis of the political and security context
The conflict residing in the east of the DRC cruelly recalls the heritage of past wars and regional tensions. Rwandan support per m23/AFC is not new, but the implications of this aggression are both geopolitical and humanitarian. According to the United Nations, more than 5.5 million Congolese have been moved due to conflicts, knowing that the east of the country has already been an epicenter of violent clashes since the 1990s.
ACKNOWLEDGENT OF REGIONAL DYNEMBERS is essential. The DRC is not isolated in this turmoil. Neighboring countries, such as Uganda and Burundi, also have their own strategic interests in this region rich in natural resources, which could further complicate the situation and mediation efforts. The political opposition, as deputy Christian Mwando points out, plays an essential role in this context, demanding account renderings and by putting pressure on the government. A study by the International Crisis Group reveals that parliaments, when faced with crises, can either strengthen or weaken executive power, depending on how they manage critical situations.
### The essential role of parliamentary diplomacy
Parliamentary diplomacy cannot be underestimated as part of the DRC international relations in the face of external aggression. This session could be a golden opportunity for Congolese parliamentarians to work hand in hand with foreign diplomats to invigorate international support, in order to put an end to acts of aggression. The Senate has already expressed its intention to interact with international bodies to establish a consensus on regional security.
One of the tracks that could be explored is the strengthening of links with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of the States of Central Africa (ECEC). Safety issues are often interdependent, and this regional regrouping could serve as a dialogue platform to contain the current tensions. Parliamentarians could offer resolutions in parallel to the UN interventions, thus strengthening the weight of the DRC on the diplomatic chessboard.
### Perspectives and democratic resilience
The parliamentary session of Mars should not only focus on crisis decades, but also take a prospective look at the future of the country. History of conflicts and instability, future years should also be dedicated to the consolidation of a solid democracy. The commitment of parliamentarians to follow the draft laws related to good governance, human rights and the fight against corruption will be of capital importance to strengthen the rule of law.
The DRC on the occasion, through this parliamentary session, to show that it can rise from its past crises, while proving a desire to work in a united manner in the face of security and economic challenges. The real test, however, will reside in the ability of these leaders to transcend their partisan agendas to effectively respond to the aspirations of the Congolese population.
In short, this March session is more than a simple resumption of parliamentary work. It represents a potential turning point for the DRC, an opportunity to seize to redefine political standards and establish a collective approach to threats to the integrity of the country. It will be necessary to see if this political will is transformed into concrete actions for the benefit of all the Congolese and all the Congolese.