The city of Kisangani, located in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is going through a period marked by growing insecurity, raising concerns among its inhabitants and their interlocutors. Following recent tragic events, such as the assassination of motorcycle taxi drivers, a reflection is essential on the deep causes and the security issues that affect this locality. The situation in Kisangani highlights a complex problem, where historical, economic and social factors mix. In this context, the expectations of citizens in the face of the authorities and the responses that could be envisaged seem crucial to consider a return to a climate of security and confidence.
Category: Politics
The Forum on the future of the press in Guinea, organized by the High Authority for Communication, is held in a delicate context for the country’s media, marked by significant restrictions and a tense political atmosphere. While the government recently withdrawn the dissemination approvals from several private media, this gathering aims to establish recommendations to ensure free and responsible journalism, essential to democracy. The challenges encountered, such as the security of journalists and the diversity of opinions, are all the more pressing while Guinea is preparing for crucial elections. This forum thus represents an opportunity to reflect on the role of the media in strengthening CIVIC engagement and raises the question of the conditions necessary to guarantee accessible and diversified information. He also underlines the importance of a constructive dialogue between the authorities and the players in the sector, while recognizing the complexity of the issues they face.
The recent controversy surrounding the Senate Convention in Côte d’Ivoire, which grants preferential rates to civil servants of certain institutions for travel and care, raises essential questions about ethics and equity in a difficult economic context. While some see in this strengthening of privileges a recognition of the contributions of civil servants, others perceive an aggravation of inequalities in a country where many citizens are still struggling to access the basic services. In parallel, geopolitical issues are taking shape with the settlement of a territorial dispute between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, illustrating the tensions that can arise around natural resources. Finally, an initiative in Niger shows an innovative approach to environmental challenges, transforming plastic into lasting goods, suggesting avenues for reflection for other nations in the region. This panorama highlights the need for constructive dialogue and collective reflection on issues of social justice, resource management and sustainability.
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.
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.