### The OIF mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a sign of hope or a call for action?
From June 2 to 6, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) welcomed an information mission from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The aim of this approach, in a context of security and humanitarian crisis persist in the east of the country, deserves special attention. It is advisable to examine the challenges that this represents not only for the DRC, but also for the International Francophone Community.
#### Context of the mission
The DRC faces multiple challenges, including armed violence, forced displacements of populations, and an institutionalized impunity which seems rooted in the social fabric. The Minister Delegate for International Cooperation and La Francophonie, Maître Bestine Kazadi Ditabala, played a decisive role, pleading for three years for a stronger intervention by the OIF. Its request is in a broader effort to strengthen the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of repeated violations.
An approach that can be greet, as it testifies to a proactive effort to redefine relations between the DRC and the French -speaking community. However, this initiative raises questions on the effectiveness of such support and on the way in which it could result in concrete actions on the ground.
#### The realities on the ground
The discussions carried out by the OIF mission revealed an alarming situation, often described by poignant testimonies of civil society. The violence particularly targeting women and children, as well as the collapse of basic infrastructure, indicate a crisis not only militarized but social and cultural. The declarations of Congolese representatives, after exchanges, underline a precious expectation of support which is not limited to diplomatic declarations, but which is manifested by concrete and visible actions.
It is also crucial to recognize that this expectation could illustrate a greater fracture between what the country hopes for its commitment to the Francophonie and what it really receives, encouraging the support mechanisms used so far.
#### An ambivalent position?
The mission has promised an increased commitment, including international advocacy and support for local initiatives. However, doubts remain: how can this promise be translated into a context where the DRC is often perceived through the prism of its crises? The OIF’s decision not to explicitly designate the aggressive countries in this conflict may also question. How can the international community claim a strong position on the defense of fundamental rights without explicitly tackling those responsible for the violence that tears the country?
It would be important that the OIF, while strengthening its presence on the ground, explores means of translating its promises into palpable actions, while ensuring that the votes of civil society, of these actors who live on a daily basis the consequences of the conflict, be heard and integrated into the formulation of support policies.
### towards a renewal of commitments
This diplomatic moment could open the way to a revival of relations between the DRC and the OIF, based not only on the recognition of local issues, but also on the construction of a more dynamic collaboration framework and attentive to the realities on the ground. It is also essential to question the way in which solidarity can manifest itself, in particular through initiatives that go beyond simple political commitments.
The DRC, as a member of the Francophonie, has all the rights to wait for support which takes into account its complex and delicate reality. At a time when the world is increasingly interconnected, the responsibility of La Francophonie is to go beyond speeches and to implement actions that reflect the needs and hopes of the populations affected by crises.
#### Conclusion
In short, the OIF mission can be perceived as a rotating potential in the way in which the French -speaking community is considering its role in complex conflicts. It is an opportunity to assess your commitment to deeply rooted and emotional issues. The path remains long, but with a sincere dialogue, a shared will and an adapted approach, it is possible to hope for a Francophonie who is really carrying peace and solidarity for countries in crisis like the DRC. The question remains whether this will will be accompanied by actions that meet the expectations of the Congolese population.