Category: Politics

### The suspension of Joliba TV: reflection on press freedom in Mali

The suspension of Joliba TV for six months following a debate on a coup in Burkina Faso highlights the disturbing tensions that surround the freedom of the press in Mali. This phenomenon is part of a regional context, where the repression of dissident voices increases, thus illustrating the fragility of democratic dialogue. Despite an alarming tendency to decline press freedom in Africa, journalists’ courage and solidarity within the profession offer hope. To counter these threats, collective initiatives and the creation of journalistic security charters are essential. Faced with these challenges, advocacy for bold and independent journalism becomes more crucial than ever.

** Israel at the crossroads: the dismissal of Ronen Bar and its democratic repercussions **

The Ronen Bar’s dismissal case, former chief of Shin Bet, highlights the internal fractures of the Israeli government and raises crucial questions about governance and national security. In a context marked by the attack on Hamas on October 7, 2023, this dismissal is not limited to a simple problem of confidence, but reveals a political system struggling with conflicts of interest. While 51 % of Israelis disapprove of this decision, votes amount to contest the legitimacy of the act, calling into question not only the motivations of Netanyahu but also the democratic health of Israel.

In parallel, the current institutional crisis, linked to disputed reforms, questions the separation of powers and the responsibility of leaders in times of crisis. Events resonate as an echo of other democracies in difficulty, suggesting a disturbing trend towards “autocratic temptation”. The challenge for Israel is therefore to build a new social pact, based on transparency and responsibility, in order to preserve public confidence in the face of internal and external tensions. While the Supreme Court examines this case, discussions around legitimacy, national security and democracy in Israel become more essential.

** Haut-Katanga: the urgency of reformed governance in the face of insecurity **

On March 20, a meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and the deputies of Haut-Katanga highlighted the growing concerns linked to insecurity and governance in this province rich in resources but prey to social discomfort. Elected officials, including MP Serge Nkonde, called for a concerted action to restore peace and go beyond repressive measures. Far from being a simple problem of order, insecurity reflects deep dysfunctions in the management of resources and the standard of living of citizens.

Despite the promises of dialogue and reforms, the challenge remains: how to restore confidence between the population and its institutions while integrating the votes of citizens in the decision -making process? Through an inclusive security strategy and a renewal of political practices, Haut-Katanga could find a path to more transparent and balanced governance.

This situation represents a decisive turning point for the province and a major test for the central government, calling for real recognition of social struggles to build a more serene future.

### South Africa in the face of a crucial challenge: LGBTIQ Rights+ Danger

While South Africa celebrates human rights day, the country is at a decisive crossroads on the issue of LGBTIQ+rights. The suspension of foreign funding by the United States, launched under the Trump administration, jeopardizes essential health programs for marginalized communities and increases challenges related to access to care. Despite progressive legislation, reality on the ground remains difficult, with many obstacles to equality for LGBTIQ+.

Faced with this crisis, the reaction of President Cyril Ramaphosa is crucial. South Africa must not only compensate for the withdrawal of international support, but position itself as a champion of LGBTIQ+ rights in Africa. By establishing partnerships with other countries and fighting against the influence of conservative religious groups, the country can possibly counter stigma and promote initiatives that support dignity and equality.

This context highlights the urgency of renewed activism: by strengthening communities and promoting collective awareness, South Africa could not only protect its own citizens, but also become a model for a united and tolerant Africa.

### Tidjane Thiam: a symbolic choice for a United Ivory Coast

At the dawn of a decisive presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire, Tidjane Thiam, president of the PDCI-RDA, made the daring choice to renounce his French nationality. This approach, much more than a simple administrative formality, resonates with the expectations of a population aspiring to reconciliation and greater political authenticity. In a context where dual nationality can be perceived as an obstacle to the acceptance of managers, Thiam positions himself as a candidate determined to bring a country to plural identities.

Faced with his internal rival Jean-Louis Billon, Thiam will have to skillfully sail in political rivalries, while pleading for an inclusive election, truly representative of popular aspirations. While almost 70 % of Ivorians want national reconciliation to take precedence over individual ambitions, Thiam will embody a figure of renewal, seeking to transcend historical cleavages.

Her decision to renounce her French nationality could be welcomed as a strong gesture, but she is not free from risks in the face of a past marked by power struggles. As the elections approaches, this situation raises crucial questions about the political future of Côte d’Ivoire and the importance of extended national dialogue to guarantee peace and stability.

** The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu: an alert signal for Turkish democracy **

On March 20, 2024, the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a figurehead of the Turkish opposition, made the foundations of politics tremble in Türkiye. Accused of “corruption” and “terrorism”, his incarceration seems to be a judicial coup to weaken an already weakened opposition. While thousands of Turks descend into the street to defend its heritage of democracy and freedom, this arrest underlines a growing gap between an authoritarian power and a population in search of change. While support for Erdogan’s AKP is weakening, a generation eager for reforms may well be at the dawn of a political revolution. Recent events suggest that the struggle for democracy in Türkiye has only just begun.

** Istanbul at a turning point: the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu and the future of Turkish democracy **

The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul and a figurehead of the opposition, aroused a shock wave in Türkiye and abroad. Accused of “corruption” and “terrorism”, this event recalls the repressive tactics of the Erdoğan regime, which has often used similar accusations to stifle dissent. While the supporters of Imamoglu engage in demonstrations, a dynamic of popular mobilization emerges, transcending historical electoral cleavages. This moment appears as a crucial test for the country’s democratic resilience and could catalyze a deep change in the Turkish political landscape. The reaction to this arrest could well redefine the balance of power between power and a population eager for change. It is not only a personal conflict, but the reflection of the aspirations and struggles of a people in search of their voice within a system in crisis.

** Political cacophony in France: pensions and veil at the heart of a national debate **

France is going through a period of political confusion, marked by disagreements within the government regarding pension reforms and the question of wearing the veil in sport. On the one hand, the conclave on pensions reveals the impossibility of finding a consensus on the starting age. On the other, the debate on the veil raises important questions about secularism and diversity. While the pension system faces a growing deficit, the government must sail between these different issues, but also crucial for French society. A real interaction with citizens appears more than ever to restore confidence and build a harmonious future.

### Security at the heart of the debates in Haut-Katanga: towards participatory governance

Haut-Katanga, province with immense riches, is a decisive turning point in its history. During a crucial meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo and local deputies highlighted the pressing security issues that shake the region. The alarming increase in crime of almost 30 % in urban areas and persistent tensions require a global response combining socio-economic security and development.

The elections that govern local authority, tainted with fraud, and the reorganization of customary power also pose major challenges to governance. It is vital to encourage citizen participation and to be inspired by successful governance models to restore confidence between citizens and their institutions.

To build a serene future, Haut-Katanga must adopt a proactive approach, promoting collaboration between political actors, traditional authorities and civil society. By cultivating this inclusive dialogue, the province will be able to transform its challenges into opportunities, and draw the contours of a solid and lasting democracy.

** Joseph Kabila: The challenges of a Congolese truth in search of recognition **

In a captivating speech in Johannesburg, former Congolese president Joseph Kabila challenged the accusations binding him to the M23, reaffirming his desire to redefine the political account in the DRC. While the nation faces persistent crises, its call for an “endogenous approach” raises a crucial question: who truly holds the voice of the Congo? By highlighting the Congolese struggles, Kabila invites to collective introspection and pleads for a democratic transformation in the face of decades of unwarmed promises. In these troubled times, the Congolese people may well be the key to shaping a united future, far from political rivalries. The transformation of the country is now based on their ability to assert itself in the national and international debate.