** Congolese youth in the face of corruption: a powerful weapon for a better future **
On March 29, 2025, the head of the Congolese government, Judith Suminwa, launched a significant initiative in Kinshasa, intended to raise awareness of Congolese youth to patriotism and the fight against corruption. The conference-debate organized by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) has brought together more than 3,000 young people, a figure which testifies to the growing commitment of new generations vis-à-vis the crucial issues that mark their country. But beyond the event and inspiring speeches, hides a fundamental question: how can this youth really get involved in the fight against corruption and, more broadly, in the construction of a prosperous nation?
### A call to integrity: IGF’s vision
During this meeting, Jules Aldergete Key, Inspector General of Finance, illustrated the gravity of corruption by comparing it to a criminal act. This daring and evocative analogy aims to create a feeling of urgency with youth. ALINGETE has expressed a visionary will: that of awakening consciences on the dangers with which society is confronted. By stressing that the embezzlement of public funds are as destructive as armed violence, it has aroused a reflection on the long -term consequences of corruption on the sustainable development of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
### A youth at the heart of change
The commitment of young people in the fight against corruption represents an unexploited potential. According to data from the United Nations, almost 60 % of the Congolese population under 25. This figure indicates not only a demographic dynamic, but also the opportunity to form a new era of leaders capable of carrying values of integrity and responsibility. Historically, youth has always been at the heart of change movements: from revolutions to struggles for civil rights, there are a multitude of global examples where young people have taken the reins of socio -political change.
### An awareness and education strategy
If the passionate speeches, like that of aldergete, affect emotions, it becomes crucial to add a practical dimension to this mobilization. Education is an essential vector for the fight against corruption. Educational initiatives, such as workshops in schools, awareness programs and civic education, must be set up in order to maintain the flame of social conscience. In addition, the integration of ethics into school programs could strengthen citizen values from an early age.
### Technology as an ally
In addition, in the digital age, new technologies offer an essential field of innovation in the fight against corruption. Online platforms can allow anonymous denunciation of corruption acts, and mobile applications can facilitate access to information on public finances. The eradication of corruption requires transparency and good governance that the Internet can promote. Countries like Estonia and Rwanda have shown that investing in the digitalization of public services can reduce corruption and increase confidence between government and the population.
### Make young players in transparency
In addition, the IGF could consider creating a youth network where young people can meet, exchange ideas, train, and collaborate on concrete projects. They could get involved in monitoring public budgets, be educated on the analysis of financial data and become transparency ambassadors. This network would not only promote a culture of integrity, but also to establish a framework of responsibility where each citizen would feel concerned by the management of public resources.
### Conclusion: a future to build together
In conclusion, although the effort led by the IGF to mobilize Congolese youth against corruption is commendable, the success of this initiative will depend not only on convincing speeches, but also on the establishment of concrete action mechanisms. Youth is not only the future of the DRC, it is also its present. By entrusting them with tools and a voice, the country can only hope for a future where patriotism and transparency will coexist harmoniously for sustainable and equitable development. The words of Jules Aldergete Key resonate as a call for action: “You, young people, are called to defend the motherland”. It is now up to this generation to put these words into practice, and to be the architects of a future without corruption.