Category: Ecology

### Kinshasa: floods and the call for collective responsibility

On April 7, torrential rains struck Kinshasa, plunging the town of Kalamu into despair with more than 1050 victims. Although President Félix Tshisekedi has promised assistance and support, this flood crisis highlights much deeper issues: deforestation, unregulated urbanization and the deplorable state of drainage infrastructure. If nothing is done, economic losses could climb up to 4% of GDP by 2030.

By going to the field, Tshisekedi stressed the importance of adequate waste management, calling on citizens to rethink their relationship to the environment. This challenge is not only the government’s affair; It also requires the active involvement of NGOs and the community. By drawing inspiration from the successful examples of other large metropolises, Kinshasa must make a cultural change towards a preventive and collaborative approach. Resilience in the face of the climate is not just a matter of politics, but a collective effort where each actor has his role to play. The current crisis could be a catalyst for a sustainable transformation, provided you act together.

** Beni’s cocoa: between wealth and human tragedy **

At the heart of the deadly conflicts that devastate North Kivu, the Beni cocoa, popular for its exceptional quality, is found in the center of a tragedy where farmers are the main victims. Torn between looting and violence, these producers see their precious product, formerly a source of pride and income, devalued by an economic war which imposes unbearable conditions. Alarming statistics reveal that around 40% of harvests are lost each year, exacerbating misery in an already weakened region. While the authorities seem outdated, the producers, forced to collect immature beans, see the reputation of the Congolese cocoa collapsing on the international market. However, in adversity, solutions emerge: cooperation between farmers, product traceability and support of international organizations could give hope to this crucial sector. The situation in Beni calls for global awareness: it is not only a question of saving a culture, but of restoring dignity and future to a community in distress.

### Kinshasa under waters: a cry of alarm for town planning in the face of climatic challenges

The recent floods in Kinshasa, caused by torrential rains, reveal deep vulnerabilities in the urban management of the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With nearly 14 municipalities deprived of drinking water and deplorable human losses, the current crisis pushes the reassessment of climate adaptation strategies in a growing city of 15 million inhabitants. Illegal constructions on risky terrains raise concerns about unregulated urbanization. However, this tragedy can serve as a catalyst for lasting reforms. By being inspired by successful initiatives like those of Lagos, Kinshasa must initiate a community dialogue and mobilize all the actors to build a more resilient future, thus guaranteeing a safe environment for future generations.

** Kinshasa in front of floods: health emergency and challenges to be met **

The devastating floods of April 4 and 5 in Kinshasa, caused by climate change, test the Congolese health system. The Minister of Health, Samuel-Roger Kamba, launched an emergency response including medical teams, medicines and hygiene kits, but the question remains: is the DRC really equipped to deal with such crises? This disaster also raises concerns about imminent epidemic risks, such as cholera and malaria. Beyond immediate measures, it is imperative to develop an economic recovery and reconstruction plan to support the thousands of families affected. While the vulnerability of metropolises in the face of climate change is overwhelmingly proves, the future of Kinshasa will depend on collective resilience and the commitment to transform this tragedy into an opportunity for sustainable improvement.

### Kinshasa: Faced with floods, an urgent appeal for action

The recent deluge in Kinshasa caused tragic human losses and incalculable material damage, highlighting the inadequacy of government responses to repeated disasters. The NGO Justicia Asbl highlights the absence of preventive policies and adapted infrastructure, leaving the population vulnerable to the consequences of the weather. While other African capitals take proactive measures, Kinshasa seems to stagnate in a failing crisis management, exacerbated by obsolete drainage infrastructures and increasing health risks.

Civil society plays a vital role in the resilience of the community, but its power of action must be reinforced. As actors of change, NGOs like Justicia Asbl call for a reassessment of government structures and an active mobilization of citizens to transform the management of environmental crises. For Kinshasa to get up, it is essential to establish a synergy between government, NGOs and citizens, promoting lasting solutions for a safer future. Thus, while the waters are withdrawn, the time is for collective action to build a Congolese capital resilient in the face of the challenges of climate change.

** Kinshasa: an announced disaster and the appeal to action **

On April 5, 2025, the Kinois faced a devastating torrential rain which left 32 dead and reduced to nothing. This tragedy is not an isolated event, but the result of years of chaotic urbanization and inaction in the face of climatic crises. While other cities like Rotterdam invest in effective drainage systems, Kinshasa seems to be condemned to repeat his mistakes. The Minister of Town Planning calls for rehabilitation measures and the demolition of anarchic constructions, stressing the urgency of a real action plan involving the population. To transform this city into resilient metropolitan France, it is crucial to anticipate crises and adopt an inclusive approach, as did other developing cities. Recent floods must be perceived as a call for collective responsibility: it is time that Kinshasa takes the turn to a lasting future.

** measles: alarming return and public health issues in the United States **

The tragedy of the death of an eight -year -old girl in Texas highlights a disturbing resurgence of measles, with more than 600 cases recorded this year. Formerly eradicated thanks to high vaccination rates, the disease returns in force in the face of the disinformation and the decline in vaccine covers, exacerbated by the Pandemic of Covid-19. Communities, especially religious, display alarming non -vaccination rates, raising crucial questions about collective immunity. In an unexpected turning point, the Minister of Health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., seems to recognize the importance of vaccination, a change of position which reflects the growing emergency of the situation. In parallel, studies reveal that socio-economic inequalities impact vaccination rates, calling for reflection on health education strategies. Lubbock’s tragedy must serve as an electroso to mobilize society around collective public health, in order to prevent other avoidable losses and restore confidence in vaccination.

** Kinshasa: The lessons of the floods and the urgency of an urban transformation **

The devastating floods of Kinshasa, which occurred on the night of April 4 to 5, 2025, reveal an alarming table of vulnerabilities in the face of natural disasters in a city in full disorderly urbanization. With 33 human losses and thousands of victims, these tragic events highlight the urgency of rethinking urban management. Between unsuitable infrastructure and precarious housing in sensitive areas, it becomes imperative to adopt lasting strategies, such as the creation of retention basins and increased awareness of populations. Faced with this crisis, the call for international solidarity is now more than pressing. Kinshasa has the opportunity to transform this tragedy into a lever to build a resilient and united city, capable of meeting the challenges of climate change of the 21st century.

** Torrential rains in Kinshasa: a revealing drama of urban and climatic weaknesses **

In the tragic night from April 4 to 5, Kinshasa was overwhelmed by torrential rains, causing the death of at least 20 people and causing the collapse of already dilapidated infrastructure. This event is not an isolated case, but an alarming demonstration of frantic urbanization and shortcomings in terms of sustainable planning in the Congolese capital. More than 60 % of the districts are in risk zones, leaving the inhabitants at the mercy of increasingly frequent weather phenomena. While the urgency of interventions is felt, experts call for a radical transformation of urban infrastructure and better preparation in the face of climatic issues. Kinshasa, faced with these challenges, find the means to strengthen to ensure a safer future for its citizens?

### Disvastating rains on the capital: a call for community engagement

The violent bad weather of the night of April 4 to 5 left behind a tragic assessment of at least 22 dead and reveal the urgency of a collective response to the vulnerability of urban infrastructure. While the governor announces measures to restore the situation, it is not enough to repair the damage: it is time to rethink our approach in town planning and climate risk management. Community initiatives, citizen involvement and technological innovation must be at the heart of solutions to build lasting resilience. Mobilization and solidarity are essential as essential levers to transform this disaster into an opportunity for change towards a safer and lasting future for all.