** Road harassment in Kabalo: a revealer of the governance crisis in the DRC **
In the territory of Kabalo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the inhabitants fight daily against the extortion of state agents to roadblocks. These practices, far from being isolated, illustrate a disturbing trend in corruption that undermines the authority of the state. With almost 80% of the population living below the poverty line, these abuses have catastrophic economic repercussions, preventing small traders from prospering and stifling the local economy.
Local authorities, while rejecting the accusations, seem to be disconnected from the realities on the ground, a situation requiring urgent reform. The education of citizens on their rights and the promotion of a constructive dialogue between the State and the communities are essential stages to fight against these drifts. Indeed, social mobilization and the use of new technologies to denounce abuses could strengthen civic engagement and promote more transparent governance. Faced with this crisis, the hope of a lasting change is based on the ability of citizens and institutions to build a real rule of law, guaranteeing the security and dignity of all.