### teens ndombasi and the call for action: a reflection on the situation in the DRC
On June 7, teenagers Ndombasi, honorary deputy and coordinator of the alternative political party 2028, published an open letter to the Congolese head of state, Félix Tshisekedi, in which he made severe criticisms against government action in the face of the growing misery of the population. By evoking a notable “lethargy” of the executive and by qualifying this inaction of contempt towards the people, Ndombasi joins a political tradition where the dissonant voices rise to call for significant changes.
#### Inventory: painful reality
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) would go through a complex period, marked by economic, social and infrastructural crises. According to recent reports, more than 70 % of the population lives below the poverty line, with cruelly failing infrastructure. This context, known and documented, requires a state of emergency at all levels, both in government and in civil society.
Ados Ndombasi evokes the previous government of “Warriors”, an appellation which evokes disappointed hopes in a large part of the population. After the failure of the previous executive, it would be legitimate to wonder if the expectations of the Congolese were really taken into account by the current government. The promise of more effective leadership has not yet been materialized, which fuels a feeling of growing disillusionment.
#### The dimensions of inaction: are we faced with a culture of apathy?
The notion of contempt, as underlined by Ndombasi, deserves to be examined with care. This idea could be interpreted not only as a criticism of individuals in power, but also as a question on the dynamics within the administration. Could inaction arise from a systemic inability to mobilize the necessary resources? Is there a lack of coordination between the ministries? Are decision-making processes hampered by heavy and outdated bureaucracies?
The answers to these questions could open the way to a deeper understanding of the difficulties encountered by the government. Indeed, the complexity of governance in the DRC is not only limited to individuals, but implies a multitude of historical, economic and social factors.
#### Call for emergency and mobilization: towards a systematic rehabilitation
In his letter, Ados Ndombasi calls for “urgent and effective” measures, in particular with regard to infrastructure rehabilitation across the country, and in particular in Kinshasa. Such a site, as he suggests, requires intense mobilization on the part of all the actors concerned. These efforts must be technocratically supported and economically viable.
The rehabilitation of infrastructure is not only limited to the construction of roads or to the repair of bridges. It also involves a holistic approach that would integrate sustainable development strategies, resource management and local capacity building. How could the government more engage civil society and the private sector in this process?
#### A vision for the future: Hope and responsibility
Ndombasi stresses that the Democratic Republic of Congo must be considered as a “vast project requiring intense work”. This metaphor illustrates well the unexploited potential of the country, but it also recalls the responsibility which is the responsibility of those in power. Indeed, each actor must be aware of his role in building a better future for the population.
The mobilization of president’s collaborators, as Ndombasi proposes, could be the start of an answer to this expectation. However, to go beyond words, it is crucial that mechanisms are put in place to assess the effectiveness of the actions undertaken. How to guarantee that promises are reflected in tangible results? What would be the methods of evaluating these results?
#### Conclusion: an invitation to collective reflection
The letter from Ados Ndombasi, beyond its criticisms, opens up a necessary dialogue space on the current state of the DRC. By calling for concrete actions and collective mobilization, it invites not only the government, but also the whole of society to reflect on its responsibilities. The transformation of the situation into DRC requires a shared will to face distrust and difficulties, while cultivating a spirit of national solidarity.
While challenges remain complex, it is essential that the population, political leaders and institutions work together towards a better future for everyone. The ways to this change must be thought, discussed and put into practice in a framework of responsibility, commitment and innovations. In this perspective, each voice, including that of Ndombasi, counts and can, potentially, contribute to a more bright future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.