** The Congolese response to disinformation: an extended strategy at the heart of the conflict in the East **
On April 1, 2025, the Minister of Communication and Media of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, maintained the learners of the National School of Administration (ENA) on the contemporary war issues in the east of the country. This meeting is significant, because it illustrates not only the importance of exchanges between public authorities and future administrators, but also the need for strategic communication in times of crisis.
In a context where regional conflicts in the DRC are exterior, the Congolese government’s response, as the Minister pointed out, has a fundamentally dynamic and multidimensional aspect. Indeed, the challenges posed by Rwandan interventions, which are justified under the cover of the fight against the democratic forces of Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), challenge both Congolese diplomacy and internal information management mechanisms.
### Crucial media diplomacy
The emphasis put by Patrick Muyaya on the urgency of communication in times of crisis underlines the modernity of current conflicts. The war is no longer played only on the military field, but also in terms of public opinion. In this regard, the “crisis unit” set up after the discourse to the nation of the head of state is an essential strategic response. It echoes the international trend where digital armies, often at the service of obscure political interests, propagate large -scale disinformation speeches.
The Minister denounces in particular the “Rwandan poison”, a powerful term which evokes a perception of information not only as a tool of truth, but also as a weapon of war. This approach requires a paradigm shift for Congolese institutions, which must now have skills and structures capable of countering this phenomenon.
### Valuation of human capital
Cédric Raspola Muke, director general of ENA, evokes the need to invest in human and intellectual capital as a lever to build effective governance. This discourse confirms a trend observed in nations that have succeeded in overcoming similar crises, where the strengthening of administrative capacities and the education of civil servants have become priority.
The countries affected by prolonged crises, such as the old Yugoslav states or certain African countries, have shown that solid institutions can differentiate in the resilience of a country. The DRC, in its quest for stability, must not only respond to immediate issues, but also to lay the foundations for a solid future.
### Statistical reflection
Exchanges between the Minister and the students reveal trends that can be scrutinized through statistical data. The phenomenon of war east of the DRC has major economic implications. According to the United Nations World Organization (UN), persistent conflicts in this region have led to economic losses of up to 10% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the DRC. In comparison, countries like Rwanda, which have experienced significant economic feedback after conflicts, illustrate how vital political stability and national unity are for development.
In addition, statistics from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicate that the number of Congolese refugees is alarming, with more than 5 million people recently displaced due to conflicts. This figure highlights the urgency of a communication based not only on propaganda, but also on humanitarian and solidarity messages.
### A reflection to the future
At the end of this ENA meeting, it is important to question the role that each Congolese citizen can play in this communication dynamic. Enarques, as future responsible, are called upon to carry a message of unity in the face of disinformation and exclusion. A “digital army” must be made up, not only of institutions, but also enlightened citizens, capable of discriminating the truth in an ocean of lies.
Teaching the values of media communication at the heart of state executives training programs will strengthen this resilience in the face of future challenges. In a world where information circulates at the speed of light, knowledge is the best bulwark against manipulation.
Thus, the meeting with Minister Muyaya should not be considered only as a moment of theoretical exchanges, but rather as a call for concrete and responsible action. The DRC is at a critical crossroads, where the choice to act with discernment on all fronts can make the difference between chaos and lasting peace.
The challenge is great, but the issues are vital. In the climate of uncertainty which reigns in the east of the DRC, a collective commitment for informed communication is not only desirable but essential for the restoration of peace and dignity.