** boma: call to patriotism and peace efforts, a context to assess **
On May 18, 2025, the city of Boma, located in the province of Kongo Central, was the scene of a cult of grace action which saw religious and political leaders calling the population to cultivate patriotism. This event took place during the commemoration of the day of May 17 dedicated to the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On this occasion, Pastor Jean-Pierre Mamba Kambayi, president of the Congo Rooms of Réveil, urged citizens to an active commitment to their country. This posture, although laudable, raises crucial questions about the role of patriotic initiatives in the context of the contemporary challenges that the country is experiencing.
In his speech, the pastor insisted on the need to pray for the nation while calling for unconditional support towards the authorities. This invitation to prayer seems to be part of a tradition of spiritual engagement which could be perceived as a means of bringing together citizens around a common objective: the well-being of the country. However, it is relevant to explore the implications of this exhortation. How can prayer constitute a tangible solution to socio-economic and security challenges that the DRC faces, in particular in the east where the situation remains worrying?
The representative of the urban authority, Ms. Bobette Bayakisa, also stressed the importance of recognizing and supporting the efforts of President Félix Tshisekedi to bring peace in the East, while putting a finger on the resurgence of urban banditry in Boma. This raises an essential question: how can patriotic speeches and prayer initiatives translate into concrete actions on the ground? At a time when security and peace have priority, is it enough to ask citizens to pray, or would it be relevant to encourage a broader civic commitment?
The context in which this call to patriotism is located is complex. The DRC has gone through decades of conflict and instability that have left deep scars in the social and economic fabric. Urban banditry, violence and insecurity in the east of the country illustrate a deterioration in living conditions for many Congolese. Faced with these realities, could the promotion of active patriotism be a path to collective mobilization in favor of sustainable solutions?
At the local level, the presence of politico-administrative authorities and civil society organizations during this rally testifies to the desire to unite the efforts in favor of peace. This raises another dimension: how can these various actors collaborate to meet the needs of populations, going beyond religious celebrations?
It is crucial to reflect on what a concrete operationalization of patriotism could be in today’s DRC. This could go through initiatives to initiate young people, strengthen community dialogue efforts and encourage citizens’ participation in decision -making processes. How can churches, often perceived as influential actors in Congolese society, work in synergy with the authorities to respond to socio-political and security issues?
In conclusion, the call for the emergence of patriotism launched in Boma offers an important platform to reflect on citizen engagement in the DRC. If prayer and blessing can contribute to the moral building of individuals and communities, it is just as essential that this spiritual impulse results in palpable actions in favor of peace and the improvement of living conditions. Only a multidimensional approach – combining faith, dialogue, civic commitment and concrete action – can really participate in the construction of a better future for the country.