On May 18, 2025, the appointment of Chantal Apendeki as general of the Congolese National Police (PNC) and head of the Interpol office in Central Africa opened a new page in the fight against crime in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The first woman to occupy such a position in Interpol, her ascent raises questions about the challenges of security and justice in a country faced with complex issues related to transnational crime, including drug and human trafficking. Chantal Apendeki says he is determined to strengthen the training of young officers and to promote the inclusion of women in the security forces, while recognizing that concerted efforts between communities, decision -makers and international bodies are necessary to make this ambition concrete. With this in mind, it will be crucial to scrutinize the means implemented to deal with the systemic challenges that weigh on the operational efficiency of the PNC, while questioning the role of social justice in the fight against crime. This turning point, although carrying hope, calls for a collective reflection to transform the appointment of Ms. Apendeki into a lever of sustainable impact for security in DRC and Central Africa.
Category: Politics
On May 18, 2025, the city of Boma, in the province of the central Kongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, welcomed a cult of action of grace which brought together religious and political leaders around a theme of importance: patriotism and efforts in favor of peace. On the occasion of May 17, dedicated to the Congolese armed forces, pastor Jean-Pierre Mamba Kambayi called on citizens to act actively for their country while emphasizing the need to pray for the nation. This context, marked by socio-economic and security challenges, in particular the resurgence of urban banditry and persistent insecurity in the east of the country, raises questions about the effectiveness of patriotic speeches in the face of daily realities. The speakers expressed the need to unite efforts to meet the expectations of citizens, highlighting the complexity of social and political dynamics in the DRC. The question then arises: how to translate this call to patriotism into concrete and collective actions to build a better future for all Congolese?
On May 20, the celebration of the National Day of Cameroon took on a particular dimension in 2023, while the Cameroonian community of Kinshasa marked the kick -off of the festivities with a football tournament symbolizing the links between the Cameroonians and the Congolese. This event is part of a complex historical and political context, where the date commemorates the abolition of the federal system in 1972, while raising contemporary concerns linked to national unity in the face of internal tensions, including the Anglo-Francophone conflict. Through both sporting and cultural demonstrations, the festivities suggest reflection on social cohesion and the need for inter -community dialogue, while highlighting the potential role of various actors, including the army, in the quest for peace and prosperity. In this perspective, the next celebration may well be a space for collective engagement to consider a common future, forged with unity and mutual respect.
The expulsion of Martha Karua, lawyer and figure of the Kenyan opposition, upon his arrival in Tanzania on May 18, 2025, illustrates the political tensions which currently mark the region of East Africa. While trying to support another opponent, Tundu Lissu, faced with serious accusations, this situation raises essential questions on freedom of expression and respect for human rights in a complex political context. Since the election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has been trying to sail between democratic aspirations and persistent tensions with the opposition, which attracts international attention to the need to guarantee an environment conducive to dialogue and transparency. While elections are approaching, the absence of foreign observers and repression measures against dissident votes pose significant challenges for political stability and the country’s future governance. The gaze on this case goes beyond borders, encouraging a collective reflection on the democratic future of the region.
The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in particular in the province of Ecuador, is characterized by tensions and divergences of opinion which reflect the complexity of the relationships between institutions and the population. Recently, Jean-Pierre Lisanga Bonganga, a politician whose journey is both admired and controversial, was at the center of a lively discussion. The young patriots of the Ecuador expressed strong support for him in the face of the accusations against him, considered as an attempt to weaken his stature and that of his supporters. In this context, essential questions emerge: how do these interactions between political figures and their supporters shape the country’s social and political landscape? And how can dialogue be favored to overcome existing cleavages, while attacking crucial issues such as national cohesion and development? This painting highlights not only the contemporary challenges of the country, but also the imperative of a collective reflection on its future.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently at a decisive turning point, where political tensions and power struggles within institutions raise fundamental questions about governance and democracy. The incident involving the governor of Kasai-Oriental, Jean Paul Mbwebwa Kapo, accusing for embezzlement, highlights not only the challenges inherent in the management of public affairs, but also the deep implications of such accusations on the political stability of the region and the country. In this delicate context, the challenges of transparency, integrity and responsibility are of crucial importance, both for public confidence towards institutions, and for the future of relations between different levels of power in the DRC. The consequences of this case could shape the way in which governance is exercised and perceived, potentially generating a dialogue necessary for a development towards more democratic and effective governance.
Each year, on May 17, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) celebrates its national day of the Revolution and the Armed Forces, an event which is both a tribute to the military and an opportunity to reflect on the contemporary challenges they face. This day is the opportunity to explore the ambivalent feelings of citizens, who express both concerns about the living conditions of soldiers and the need to enhance their commitment. Varied testimonies, ranging from the recognition of the sacrifices made to the call in favor of concrete reforms, raise essential questions about the future of the armed forces and their place in Congolese society. Indeed, the true recognition of the military could go through appropriate measures and an improvement in their image, while initiating a dialogue between the army and the population. Thus, this day is not limited to a commemoration, but invites to a collective reflection on solidarity and the support that an essential institution deserves to the sovereignty of the country.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at a critical crossroads, where multi-faceted challenges combine, ranging from security tensions in the east to aspirations of economic development. In this complex context, Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister, recently called to national unity at a conference in Kolwezi. His remarks raise essential questions about social cohesion and the country’s ability to bring together its citizens in the face of external threats. While putting forward diplomatic initiatives and major projects such as the Lobito corridor, it invites to a collective reflection on the future of the DRC. This table, marked by the urgency of building internal bridges and making institutional reforms, opens up a debate on the possibility of transcending socio -political fractures at the service of a common future.
The rise of armed groups in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arouses questions about the socio -political dynamics of this region, especially with the emergence of the Wazalendo, or “patriots” movement. This phenomenon, analyzed in a report by the Ebuteli Research Institute, highlights complex issues linked to the effectiveness of state security forces and the growing militarization of Congolese society. In a context where the fight against forces deemed oppressive seems to galvanize nationalist aspirations, it is essential to understand the multiple motivations that animate these groups, as well as the consequences which result from it. Beyond the security aspects, the situation of the Wazalendo questions the foundations of governance and social cohesion in the DRC, raising the question of a necessary reform to answer the current challenges.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at a delicate crossroads, with the debate around the lifting of the immunity of Joseph Kabila, former president and central figure of the Congolese political landscape. This moment, marked by serious accusations and tensions between the various political actors, raises essential questions on the role of justice within the framework of a fragile democracy. While a technical commission examines the requests from military justice, the testimony of a former collaborator adds a layer of complexity to a situation already steeped in history. In this context, understanding the dynamics of power and the underlying motivations becomes crucial, both for the stability of institutions and for the perception that the population has. Such a case could not only influence relations between leaders, but also test the resilience of the judicial system as a tool for reconciliation rather than division.