### Reflection on the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo: decentralization or centralization?
The speech of the director of cabinet of President Moïse Katumbi on the need for federalism in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resonates as a call for reflection in the face of complex issues. Its initiative raises fundamental questions about governance, national unity, and resource management in a country marked by decades of conflict and instability. But while the proposal for federalism is often naked by its historical and contextual implications, it is essential to carefully consider its potential advantages as well as its dangers.
#### Decentralization failure: a historical look
One of the main arguments put forward in favor of federalism is the failure of centralism, often interpreted as a colonial heritage. It is true that the latter has often been pointed out for dysfunctions that have persisted since independence. However, it is crucial to re -examine this assertion in the light of history.
Let us take as an example Kasai under Albert Kalonji, which illustrates how poorly placed autonomy was able to exacerbate ethnic tensions, leading to devastating internal conflicts. The same observation can be made for Katanga where federalism of the 1960s represented an instrument of secession, thus reinforcing external influences rather than promoting beneficial autonomy.
The illustrious failure of the decentralization of 2006, which did not see the application of article 175 on the redistribution of resources, strengthens this interpretation. It appears that the inability of a system to be operated can often be attributed not to the model itself, but to the weakness of the institutions and to corruption within the ruling elite.
#### The risk of cultural federalism
The argument of cultural federalism, based on the ethnic diversity of the country, deserves special attention. If diversity is an invaluable wealth, the division into federated entities can also create fracture lines. Nigerian experience, with its nested ethno-religious conflicts, and the tensions observed in Belgium and Ethiopia, where federalism has sometimes exacerbated rivalries, are warnings to take into account.
In the Congolese context, where ethnic identities are fluid and often instrumental, the transition to a federal model could short-circuit the effort to build a common national identity. Instead of strengthening unity, it could cause new conflicts, while security issues remain, especially in the east of the country occupied by foreign forces.
### Resource management: a new challenge
Finally, the question of the management of wealth raises important questions. The idea of redistributing 60 % of mining income to the provinces has an attractive appearance, but it hides complex realities. In several regions, militias and local actors are already facing allegations of looting and corruption. A poorly supervised federal system could exacerbate this problem, leaving more power to local authorities whose legitimacy and responsibility are uncertain.
So, instead of fragmenting the State, could we consider the establishment of a strong central state, capable of imposing the authority of the law and ensuring a fair redistribution of resources, without giving in to the whims of external powers?
#### Towards a collective reflection
The question of the institutional model to adopt in the DRC cannot be reduced to a choice between federalism and centralization. Rather, it calls for a collective reflection on the very nature of our state and on the lessons learned from our complex history. How to establish a system that promotes unity, peace and sustainable development while recognizing the diversities that exist within our vast territory?
The issues are multiple and the responses require an open debate, based on a rigorous and contextualized analysis, far from the polarized positions. The serenity of such a dialogue will be decisive for the future of our country. Considering our past with seriousness, we can think about a future that respects our differences while consolidating our unity. May the divergent voices agree and the search for solutions is our common guide.