### Kinshasa: Towards a new cultural policy for the Democratic Republic of Congo
On May 28, 2025, a seminar of support for cultural governance, organized by UNESCO at the National Museum of Kinshasa, highlighted the crucial issues linked to the new Cultural Policy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This debate brought together various actors, including agents from the Ministry of Culture, international experts and representatives of civil society, to discuss the order law 25/030 which is currently examined in the Senate.
### Emerging cultural policy
The deputy director of the Ministry of Culture, Maître Théodore Nganzi, stressed that this law aims to strengthen the protection of cultural goods and to confirm culture as an element of national sovereignty. This project has been developed within the framework of the recommendations of the Estates General of Culture and the Arts of 2006 and is based on international conventions signed by the DRC, which testifies to a manifest desire to harmonize national legislation with international standards.
The seven titles of this legislation, which include provisions relating to cultural action and the financing of the arts, constitute a significant first step towards improved cultural governance. However, it is important to note that the UNESCO expert, Augustin Bikale, has also expressed reservations concerning the insufficiency of this law, which would require being supplemented by other texts addressing specific areas such as intellectual property and cultural and creative industries (CIC).
#### The challenge of recognition of cultural heritage
One of the essential points raised during this seminar lies in the question of cultural heritage, which seems absent from the current legislature. According to Mr. Bikale, the integration of heritage into the legislation would be problematic, due to the principles established in the Congolese Constitution. This omission deserves particular attention, because the recognition of heritage is crucial for the preservation of national cultural identity.
The absence of an explicit mention of heritage in legislation could reduce the impact of cultural policy on local populations and on preservation initiatives. The DRC, rich in impressive cultural diversity, must ensure that this diversity is not only recognized, but also protected, to avoid a dilution of its identity in a context of globalization.
### National languages and multilingualism
The debate also highlighted the question of the use of national languages in administration and culture. Although the law mentions the valuation of local languages, the current constitution only authorizes French as an official language for administration. This dichotomy raises the question of the advancement of multilingualism in the DRC and its place in public and cultural space.
In a country where more than 200 languages are spoken, the promotion of linguistic diversity is not only a cultural issue, but also a vector of social inclusion. The need to include national languages in legislative texts could refer to a broader need for constitutional revision. This raises the question of the legitimacy of cultural aspirations in the face of current legal structures.
#### to an inclusive approach
The construction of a solid cultural policy requires not only a clear political desire, but also adequate financial support, as reported by Minsanshanga Jean Claude, director head of the ministry. The allocation of a specific budget for the implementation of cultural initiatives appears to be a sine qua non condition to guarantee the success of this approach.
The seminar thus highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach between the State, local communities, civil society, and international partners. This will require an open and constructive dialogue at all levels, in order to ensure that the aspirations of the various actors are taken into account.
#### Conclusion
Cultural policy under discussion represents a considerable potential for the DRC, but it must navigate with caution through complex challenges linked to identity, heritage and linguistic recognition. This delicate balance may be reached by a shared desire to integrate the country’s cultural wealth in political and administrative structures.
In an increasingly interconnected world, culture should not be perceived as a simple by-product of political or economic dynamics, but as a fundamental pillar of national sovereignty and human development. In this regard, it is essential that the DRC is engaged in a thorough reflection to make its cultural policy a real vector of social cohesion and sustainable development.