### Between accusations and disasters: the Democratic Republic of Congo at the crossroads
On April 10, 2025, Kinshasa trembled under the weight of two short stories which, at first glance, seem completely disparate. On the one hand, the Bukanga Lonzo trial, a montage of financial diversion and politics, in full recovery, with a former Prime Minister in the viewfinder. On the other, the victims of the monster floods that have engulfed the capital. But to look at it more closely, these two cases are part of the same tragico-asurdance table which could well be called “the management of the unpredictable”.
The resumption of the Bukanga Lonzo trial, which highlights the flaws of a system unfortunately accustomed to this kind of tragedy, resonates like a distant echo of prosperity promises which vanish under the dust of corrupt affairs. The defendants’ lawyers are blowing a fresh flow, arguing that they have not received the summons. A nice theater number where the protagonists make the stars, but ultimately, what is the real spectacle? This same judicial system, often denounced for its ineffectiveness, seems to have justice waltz to the rhythm of politics.
Far from the courtrooms, Kinshasa still details his wounds caused by torrential rains. The figures, already tragic, continue to evolve: 22, then 33, and now 43 deaths. Tension is exacerbated while the government, in a national solidarity momentum, manages to distribute some basic necessities to the victims. A laudable gesture, of course, but which could be only a simple dressing on a gaping wound. Because behind the humanitarian gesture hides a burning question: what does the state do to prevent such disasters from happening?
The climate, this great unloved, spits anger fires, but the people cannot wait for the authorities to finally concoct a prevention strategy. When Governor Daniel Bumba visits the stadiums converted into shelters, is he really concerning the living conditions of the 2000 victims or is it a show for the gallery? At the same time, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo seems to be the only one among the officials to expect the urgency of a coordinated response. Its presence on the ground is as much a breath of fresh air as a veiled criticism of the inaction of the public authorities.
So what is behind this ballet of initiatives and promises? Let us remember that each catastrophe, the same speeches emerge, wrapped in good intentions, but often devoid of real action plans. At the heart of this tragedy, a crucial question arises: when will the Congolese government start producing lasting solutions? Because punctual support, like a cover thrown on a half -made bed, only veils a lack of long -term commitment.
At a time when the National Assembly is preparing a plenary to question Prime Minister Judith Suminwa on floods, citizens have to face an perspective where promises are piping between electoral promises and government announcements. These are often ephemeral, like soap bubbles that shine for a moment before bursting.
But can we really blame a system that struggles to articulate a coherent story between justice and social action in a context of crisis? Will traumas, whether human or environmental, really have an impact on the way in which the State conceives its role as a beneficiary of resources and the guarantee of the security of the Congolese?
Kinshasa is not just a name on a map. It is a vibrant heartbeat that expects only a breath of governance to come back to life. Thus, the judicial process and the assistance to the victims are only two sides of the same room. A well-used part, but which, hopefully, could still be updated. The continuation of the Bukanga Lonzo trial and the assistance to the victims are a reflection of a society which aspires to reconciliation between promises and realities, between justice and solidarity. The challenges are colossal, but as long as citizens remain awake and committed, the lines could move.
In the meantime, the show continues. Who defendants or victims will eventually have the last word? Only time – this cruel master – will tell us.