### Civil society forces living: a warning cry in the face of the indifference of the Congolese authorities
The recent decision of civil society forces forces not to participate in the consultations initiated by the special adviser of the President of the Republic in matters of security, Eberand Kolongele, deserves sustained attention as it raises questions on the health of political dialogue and the dynamics of negotiation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a context where political tensions explode and where insecurity concerns citizens increasingly, this position is a vibrant call for the responsibility of the authorities.
#### An open letter for a crisis situation
The letter addressed by civil society forces living for Eberand Kolongele responds to a double emergency: on the one hand, the need to protect its members who live in extremely precarious conditions, in exile or under direct threat of attacks, and on the other hand, the apparent indifference of the authorities in the face of repeated alerts. The consequences of this indifference are tragic, with loss of lamentable human lives and a climate of fear which pokes out citizen participation.
From a sociological point of view, this disavowal of the current political consultations could be interpreted as the last bulwark of a civil society in the face of the absorption of its voices in a process deemed unreliable. In this sense, this decision is not only an act of survival, but also an attempt to redefine the parameters of political consent.
#### A contested political consultation
The consultations initiated by the government, although they appear on paper as an opportunity for dialogue, are perceived as a smoke screen by the opposition, which describes them as a maneuver aimed at strengthening the power of a president whose legitimacy is already questioned. Indeed, the elections of December 2023 aroused accusations of systemic fraud, generating a climate of distrust.
This context polarizes the political landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo, illustrating a deep fracture between those who adhere to the project of President Félix Tshisekedi and those who denounce an authoritarian drift. The lack of manifest interest on the part of civil society in these consultations can be interpreted as an alarm signal on the absence of confidence in institutions.
### The importance of informed participation
The question that arises is therefore that of the relevance of these consultations. How really inclusive and capable of mobilizing actors of change are they really inclusive? In a context where the voice of civil society and democratic movements is muffled, it becomes crucial to understand how the dialogues can be truly reinitiated.
The figures speak for themselves: recent surveys reveal that almost 70 % of Congolese express a distrust of current political institutions. These data highlight the need for a renewal in the way the government approaches dialogue with activists, taking into account not only immediate concerns, but also historical grievances that feed resentment.
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To build a society that promotes development and peace, the Congolese authorities must also adopt a shared liability model. This means recognizing that the country’s stability cannot be reached without the active and protective commitment of civil society actors, often enduring considerable difficulties.
The non-participation of civil society forces forces to consults could then turn into a new movement, demanding better governance and real transparency within institutions, without which the country risks more in a cycle of violence and exclusion.
### Conclusion
It is undeniable that the current political consultations are a major issue for the future of the DRC. However, the voice of civil society, just like that of the opposition, cannot be neglected in this effort. What is necessary, rather, is an authentic opening to dialogue, as well as recognition of the suffering endured by members of civil society. If these elements are not taken into account, the Democratic Republic of Congo may find itself trapped in a deadly spiral, where the voice of the people will be forever stifled.
It is in this context that the urgency of an adequate response to the legitimate demands of civil society becomes inevitable. The DRC must urgently redefine the contours of its national dialogue, integrating often overlooked votes and making informed decisions that could change the course of its history.