Category: Politics

### Gabon at a turning point: hope or illusions?

As the presidential elections of April 12 approach, Gabon is in the midst of political change. The potential candidacy of General Brice Oligui Nguema, the current president of the transition, is generating growing interest, even among former opponents of the regime. While some see him as a bearer of renewal, others question his real capacity to break with a past marked by bad governance. Promises of change echo complex challenges, including the persistent presence of former agents of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) within the institutions. Civil society and the media find themselves at a crucial crossroads, called upon to ensure the transparency of this transition. As Gabon seeks to redefine its future, resisting disillusionment will be the key to a promising new era or a repetition of past mistakes.

### Goma: Between fragile hope and continuing challenges

In Goma, recently occupied by M23 rebels, daily life is slowly returning, offering a glimmer of hope amid the scars of conflict. Businesses are reopening, but traces of looting and violence are a reminder of the precariousness weighing on this Kivu city. Residents, like Fiston Kisuli, are trying to feed their families despite a deteriorating economic context, where the majority live on less than $1.90 a day.

The reality in Goma illustrates a tragic cycle of war and poverty, exacerbated by political tensions and untapped resources. Humanitarian actions are colliding with growing demand, leaving the population chronically vulnerable. An international intervention focused on sustainable development is urgently needed, with necessary investments in education, health and support for local businesses.

The peace process must transcend simple military solutions to generate real change. In Goma, the return to normality must not be limited to a façade; it calls for collective and sustainable action to build a future where people can live without the constant threat of violence. Only such determination can break the cycle that hinders their development.

**Release of Jean-Marc Kabund: Revealing Political Dynamics in the DRC**

The postponement of the release of Jean-Marc Kabund, a central figure in the Congolese opposition and president of the Alliance for Change, raises fundamental questions about the state of justice and political rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Arrested for reasons that many consider political, Kabund embodies the tensions between the opposition and the government in place. His case is not isolated: many political figures suffer similar arrests, undermining political parity and fueling a climate of insecurity for dissident voices.

The role of presidential pardons is ambivalent, often evoking a strategy by the government to ease tensions rather than a true act of clemency. Kabund’s situation also resonates regionally, where other African leaders, such as Nelson Chamisa in Zimbabwe, suffer similar persecution.

This postponement of release, far from being a mere formality, could thus mark a decisive turning point in the Congolese political landscape and encourage the international community to rethink its support for regimes that flout fundamental rights. Analyzing this context is essential to understanding the democratic challenges and the struggle for human rights in Africa.

**Towards sustainable peace in the DRC: combating hate speech**

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at a crucial turning point, faced with a dynamic of hate speech that threatens not only social peace, but also regional stability. A report by the NGO Action citoyenne de lutte contre les discours de haine (ACLDH) highlights the devastating consequences of this problem, testifying to a reality where conflicts are no longer limited to territorial wars, but are deeply rooted in disinformation and xenophobia. The ACLDH calls for collective action, involving not only the Congolese and Rwandan governments, but also the international community to strengthen dialogue and reconciliation. By bringing together various stakeholders, including civil society, the establishment of a multi-stakeholder forum could pave the way for sustainable and inclusive solutions. The fight against hate speech is thus emerging as an ethical and social imperative, going beyond immediate national interests. For true peace in the DRC and Rwanda, it is imperative to invest in initiatives that cultivate understanding and empathy among communities.

**Citizen mobilization in Beni: A call for unity in the face of insecurity**

On February 3, 2025, Beni, in North Kivu, was the scene of an unprecedented mobilization of citizens, gathered to express their solidarity with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and defend their homeland in the face of persistent insecurity. Despite the continued threat of the M23, supported by regional powers, the Benis showed renewed determination, committing to actively participate in the defense of their territory. This movement, both nationalist and civic, highlights a collective awareness and a desire for resilience in a context of recurring violence.

Supported by a day of prayer on February 4, this popular momentum calls for a reassessment of the role of international actors in the crisis. The inhabitants of Beni, by standing up for their security and their identity, remind us that the power of the people, when united, can inspire significant change. This pivotal moment could also give rise to a similar mobilization network in other regions of the DRC, thus illustrating the emergence of a community force aware of its responsibilities.

**Disinformation and Communication in the DRC: Félix Tshisekedi’s Call to Action**

At the dawn of 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo is going through a pivotal period, both in terms of security and communication. During his recent intervention at the Council of Ministers, President Félix Tshisekedi acknowledged the urgency of a communication strategy in the face of growing disinformation, particularly fueled by Rwanda. In a context where 60% of governments in conflict complain about such campaigns, the DRC is particularly vulnerable.

Summarizing his thoughts, Tshisekedi calls for clear and unified communication, integrating psychological warfare methods to counter false narratives. The creation of a crisis unit could allow for the effective dissemination of a positive narrative, essential to regaining public trust and mobilizing the population. Drawing inspiration from the communication strategies implemented by other nations facing disinformation, such as Ukraine, the DRC aspires to transform its challenges into opportunities for national renewal.

In this context, the government is invited to cultivate a constructive dialogue with citizens, allowing each one to become an actor in the collective narrative. With a thoughtful approach, the DRC could not only confront the current instability, but also establish itself as a model of resilience in the face of disinformation.

**Lebanon: Nawaf Salam, the New Hope of a Reinvented Leadership**

Lebanon is at a crossroads, facing a multifaceted crisis that goes beyond political instability. With the rise to power of Nawaf Salam, a former ambassador to the United Nations, the country is yearning for a glimmer of hope. Salam, known for his diplomacy, must face alarming economic challenges, widespread corruption and increasing emigration, while navigating the heart of a complex political system with deep sectarian divisions.

The formation of a new unity government is essential to put Lebanon back on the path to stability and necessary reforms, supported by the international community. For this, dialogue between the different factions is essential. Comparatively, examples such as Tunisia illustrate the importance of inclusive approaches to rebuilding trust between the state and the population.

Thus, Nawaf Salam could embody a decisive turning point. The challenge will be to establish an ambitious collective project, capable of restoring the dignity and hope of a Lebanese people long tested by crises. The coming months will be crucial to determine whether this expectation will translate into real change for the country.

**Towards a New Era of Cooperation: The Trump-Sisi Strategic Exchange**

The recent call between Donald Trump and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi marks a potential turning point in Egyptian-American relations, reflecting complex geopolitical issues. As Egypt seeks to navigate domestic legitimacy and pressure for reform, Sisi has displayed strategic support for Trump, hoping to strengthen bilateral ties. This dialogue opens the door to proactive diplomacy, including on Egypt’s role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, domestic challenges, such as the growing demand for democratic reforms, remain major concerns. The success of this relationship will depend on a balanced approach, taking into account human rights and the well-being of the Egyptian people, while forging a partnership focused on sustainable development and regional peace. As this new collaboration begins, Trump and Sisi must commit to co-building a shared future based on transparency and social progress.

### Awakening a Moral Voice in Cameroon: Bishops Face Crisis

In Cameroon, a wind of change is blowing as bishops speak out to denounce persistent injustices and call for renewed governance. In a historical context marked by a fight against corruption and an Anglophone crisis, their sermons resonate as a cry from the heart for justice and peace. Rejecting the indifference of political elites, these religious figures identify themselves as spokespeople for the suffering of the people, while supporting a “great national dialogue”.

Faced with a young and disillusioned population, whose future is threatened by an aging leadership, their call for better governance overlaps with the aspirations of civil society, whose protest movements and committed artists vibrate in unison. This dynamic evokes a collective quest for change, marked by a common desire to raise the voice of the people alongside morality and spirituality. But how far can this momentum take a tired Cameroon, determined to reinvent its destiny?

**Prisoner Releases in Ramallah: Between Hope and Complexity**

On October 29, 2023, Ramallah was the scene of an emotional scene during the release of 25 Palestinian prisoners, as part of an exchange between Hamas and Israel. This reunion, much more than a simple moment of joy, underscores the pain and hope of Palestinian families, often marked by the anguish of separation. With nearly 4,700 prisoners in Israeli prisons, this event embodies a collective narrative that combines suffering and resilience.

Beyond the emotions, the sociological implications are profound. Studies show that families affected by incarceration suffer increased stress, while these releases offer a glimmer of hope and strengthen solidarity. Politically, this exchange illustrates complex dynamics between Israel and Hamas, where prisoner releases become a diplomatic tool with lasting consequences on individual lives.

While the episode brings a tremor of hope to a region devastated by conflict, it also reminds us of the absolute necessity of constructive dialogue to transform these gestures into real steps towards peace. In this context, each prisoner released is not just a number, but a bearer of a story and a dream of reconciliation.