### Suspension of the president of the Liprobakin: a case revealing the sports dynamics in the DRC
On May 17, the Basketball Federation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) made the decision to suspend for 18 months Me Paul Kabongo Biaya, president of the Provincial Kinshasa Basketball League (Liprobakin). This sanction, which includes a ban on access to sports facilities and basketball events, arouses questions about ramifications within Congolese sport as well as the governance of its bodies.
#### Context and motifs of the suspension
The suspension of Kabongo Biaya is based on several elements, including a refusal to respond to an invitation from the Federal Office, which could have seemed harmless, but could also indicate deeper tensions. The importance of communication in the context of sports organizations cannot be underestimated, because it constitutes a foundation on which cooperation is based between the various actors in the environment. The presence or absence of a leader during crucial meetings can mean, for some, a rupture in the chain of command and a distrust of the national authority.
In addition, it should be noted that Médard Menga, the secretary of the Liprobakin, was also sanctioned, perhaps illustrating a scheme of collective responsibility within the organization. This leads to questioning the internal climate that could lead to such decisions, whether justified or not. What could motivate Liprobakin members to distant an official convocation?
#### Implications on the sports environment
This situation challenges the sports community in the DRC, which also struggles with a multitude of challenges. The questions of leadership, transparency and good governance are more relevant than ever in a country where public sports must compose with often fragile structures. At a time when Congolese sports talents draw attention to the international scene, the management of provincial and federal leagues should live up to the aspirations it conveys.
It would be interesting to see how this suspension could influence the motivation of athletes, coaches and volunteers. This type of event can sometimes create a climate of distrust within sports commissions and affect the dynamics of the teams, indirectly impacting performance on the field.
#### Improvement prospects
To respond to these issues, it would be beneficial for the Congolese basketball federation (Febaco) to set up mechanisms for engagement and constructive dialogue between its different members. Regular forums, training workshops focused on communication and conflict management could help strengthen internal cohesion.
In addition, the role of the State and actors in the international sports environment could be envisaged to provide support for the renovation of governance structures in Congolese basketball. Collaborations, sponsorships or exchange of good practices could make the sports environment more resilient in the face of internal tensions.
#### Open questions
Through this suspension, certain fundamental questions should therefore be asked: how to ensure an ethical and transparent framework of governance in sports organizations in the DRC? What mechanisms can be put in place to promote communication and the meeting of interests between the different stakeholders? Finally, how can the athletes themselves actively participate in the improvement of their representative structures?
In short, the suspension of Me Paul Kabongo Biaya could be perceived not only as a sanction, but also as a call for more in -depth consultation and a critical reflection on sports practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results of this decision -making, short and in the long term, will remain to observe with particular attention.