** AFDC-A in front of the media storm: a pragmatic defense or an admission of helplessness? **
In a period when Fake News dominate political discussions and when reputation can break in one click, the Congo Democratic Forces alliance and allies (AFDC-A) is in the eye of the cyclone. Its national president, Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, is accused of an inexcuous complicity with the rebellious AFC/M23 movement, a symbol in a country already traumatized by decades of conflicts.
This surge of rumors, which executive secretary Guy-Richard Malongo Bilamba describes unfounded and vexatious, raises several questions. First of all, how can we explain the emergence of such controversy in the Congolese socio-political context and what is the scope of such a defense discourse?
### The roots of the controversy
The controversy took shape after two AFDC-A members were seen during a meeting organized by the rebels in Bukavu on February 27, 2025, arousing indignation within the party. In a country where political and military alliances are often vague, it is not surprising to see hundreds of rumors emerging around political figures. This phenomenon is not only Congolese; There is an international echo. By taking the example of the American presidential election, the field of social media and false information has already changed the election course and impacted the confidence of citizens in their leaders.
### AFDC-A communication strategy
In its press release, AFDC-A has chosen to respond vehemently, denouncing what it considers to be an attack calculated against the integrity of its president and, by extension, against the party. The choice of tone is significant: the use of terms such as “betrayal” and “malicious intention” indicates that the party leadership does not take this lightly. However, is this answer sufficient? In a context where rebel movements use media platforms to spread their ideology, AFDC-A should not adopt a more proactive communication strategy?
### beyond rumors: the real consequences
On the ground, the consequences of these allegations can be devastating. Not only do they affect the reputation of Bahati Lukwebo, but they also enrich the account of political enemies who seek to further divide the Congolese people. In a 2023 UN report on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is specified that disinformation and propaganda are among the main factors supplying regional conflicts. AFDC-A must therefore understand that the fight against these false stories also involves an educational and preventive approach, which aims to strengthen population resilience in the face of manipulation of information.
### A call for national cohesion
Bahati Lukwebo, in his hopes of reconciliation and peace construction, insists on the importance of national unity. A call that resonates with an urgent need: that of bringing together the different components of Congolese society. This territory, with multiple ethnicities and cultures, is marked by secular injuries, exacerbated by political rivalries. The effort to promote good living together is commendable, but this requires an authentic commitment of leaders at all levels. Youth must be considered an essential partner in this dynamic, instead of being used as a tool in the service of partisan interests.
### Conclusion: Towards a renaissance
In short, the challenge that AFDC-A faces today is indicative of the deep wounds present within Congolese society. The rumor war is more than a simple attack; It represents an opportunity for the party to reconsider its posture, its communication, and its commitment to the population. The fight against AFC/M23 should not be limited to a military offensive; It must reach the hearts and minds of the Congolese, in order to build a future where patriotism is combined with peace and progress.
In this highly politicized and emotional context, AFDC-A has the opportunity to transform this reputation crisis into a moment of rebirth, not only for the party, but for the whole Democratic Republic of Congo.