### The call for constructive opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In a tense and complex political context, the national deputy Gratien of Saint Nicolas Iracan, representative of the opposition and elected from Bunia, recently expressed positions which deserve to be deepened. During a press conference held on April 12, 2025, he pleaded for a closer collaboration between the power in place and the opposition. This call for a constructive policy, although emanating from an opposition position, raises essential questions on the nature of political dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and on the challenges that the country is confronted.
#### A bitter observation
Iracan began with a lucid observation of the national situation: “The country does not work. We are in crisis, there is chaos everywhere in institutions. This sentence sums up the state of mind of many Congolese, who see their institutions weaken and confidence in the future to be annoyed. Indeed, the country’s socio-economic context, marked by internal tensions and persistent security crises, seems to push political actors towards a cycle of mistrust and confrontation.
In this regard, he evoked the erosion of confidence between the Congolese and their institutions, which raises questions about the legitimacy and efficiency of the current political system. In this dynamic, the voice of the opposition, although calling for responsibility, often remains inaudible in the face of a majority in power which perceives as besieged.
#### The importance of collaboration
By calling on his opposition peers to “stop with the policy of the empty chair”, Iracan poses a crucial question: how to move forward in a constructive dialogue when recent history is marked by attempts at repression with regard to opponents? Her intervention highlights a paradox: while the opposition must be in a critical posture to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, it is also called to play an active role in the search for solutions. This duality is delicate to manage and requires an acute sense of political responsibility.
Talking about collaboration does not mean renouncing criticizing government’s actions. On the contrary, this invites us to think of an opposition which, while being vigilant, offers viable alternatives, in the interest of Congolese populations. Iracan stressed that the opposition should build bridges with power to establish a nourishing dialogue, this in a co-construction process of solutions to national challenges.
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That said, the environment in which this collaboration dynamic takes place presupposes a minimum of guarantees for the exercise of political rights. Iracan has pointed out the limitations that the opposition faces, evoking muuse and repression. These factors remain significant obstacles to a productive dialogue. The fear of repression can inhibit the desire for dialogue or constructive commitment, both on the side of power and the opposition.
The situation in the DRC, where violence and instability are persistent issues, does not help. The call for national unity and a common vision for the future is of certain relevance, but this would require significant gestures on the part of power, in particular in matters of respect for the rights of the opposition and inclusion in the decision -making processes.
#### Rethronic the role of the opposition
The position of Gratien de Saint Nicolas Iracan also deserves a broader reflection on the role of opposition in a democracy. In an environment where political daring are risky, how can we encourage an opposition which is not limited to protest, but which is also positioned as a force of proposal? This could go through forums or discussion spaces where the different parties could exchange freely.
Finally, Iracan’s declaration on the need to count on the Congolese themselves to solve their problems evokes an awareness which seems more and more urgent. This calls for a civic mobilization which should not only be based on institutions, but also on civil society, young people and all the actors involved in the construction of a more harmonious country.
#### Conclusion
The exhortation of Gratien de Saint Nicolas Iracan to constructive opposition, although substantial, cannot be understood as a simple call to political weapons. It is an invitation to reflect on the means of acting together for the common good, recognizing the challenges that stand on the road to the DRC. If political impulses can be tempered by a concern for constructivity, then perhaps the gap between rulers and governed will be able to tighten, for the best of the Congolese.