Category: Politics

**Towards Transparent Governance in Africa: The Inspiring Collaboration between the IGF and the CNTR**

The recent meeting between the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the National Commission for Transparency and Accountability (CNTR) of the Republic of Congo marks a turning point in the fight against corruption in Africa. It underlines the importance of active political support to give life to noble good governance initiatives, as recalled by Joseph Mana Fouafoua, President of the CNTR.

By integrating into the Forum of General Inspectorates of State of Africa, the two institutions show the need for a regional dynamic to improve the management of public finances. With encouraging prospects concerning the possible savings thanks to better transparency, the joint project emerges as a beacon of hope for other nations.

The IGF and the CNTR are also facing contemporary challenges, such as the digital transition, which can optimize financial management and strengthen transparency. The transformation of the public financial landscape must result in the inclusion of citizens in this process, because ultimately, the fight against corruption also relies on a change in mentalities.

This collaboration holds the promise of a future where accountability in the management of public finances can be established as a foundation of trust and integrity for future generations on the African continent.

### The TikTok Paradox: Between National Security and Digital Reality

In a world where technology collides with national security, TikTok has become the symbol of a complex debate around data protection and geopolitical influence. As former President Donald Trump draws attention to the potential threats posed by the app, a broader reflection on the digital economy is emerging. With nearly 90% of internet users expected to be on social media by 2025, it is crucial not to limit ourselves to a single player, but to examine the massive data collection by all tech giants, whether American or foreign.

Digital surveillance raises fundamental questions: is our data really protected and who is exploiting it? At the same time, while TikTok is often singled out as an instrument of manipulation, it is essential to recognize that American platforms are not exempt from using disinformation strategies.

In this context, the need for a legal framework on data protection becomes crucial. Rather than stigmatizing specific applications, it is time to accept that the solution lies in common standards applicable to the entire digital economy. Only then will we be able to navigate this complex landscape, ensuring user security while preserving innovation. A call to action is needed to redefine the rules of the game in a world where our data is worth gold.

### Goma: A community facing growing insecurity in Lac-Vert

In the Lac-Vert neighborhood of Goma, insecurity is intensifying, marked by daylight robberies perpetrated by fake Wazalendo, fueled by military tensions linked to the M23 offensive. Residents, worried and desperate, express their vulnerability through powerful testimonies, such as that of Dedesi Mitima, neighborhood chief: “If they steal in broad daylight, what will the night be like?”

This situation is not limited to acts of physical violence. It exacerbates an already alarming humanitarian crisis, affecting access to essential resources for nearly 25 million Congolese in distress. Armed conflicts also hamper humanitarian efforts, worsening malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women.

Behind this palpable violence, psychological suffering is setting in, fueled by daily anxiety and growing mistrust within the community. To counter this destructive spiral, a call to action is emerging: the need for sustainable solutions, based on dialogue and social cohesion. In Goma, hope for a better future rests on the ability of residents to transform fear into solidarity.

**Kinshasa: LAMUKA’s march, symbol of growing despair**

On January 24, Kinshasa was the scene of a historic march orchestrated by the LAMUKA coalition, a powerful cry of despair in the face of a power deemed repressive. By gathering thousands of demonstrators on Lumumba Boulevard, LAMUKA denounced not only arbitrary arrests, but also a political crisis fueled by security failures, particularly in the east of the country.

With reforms promised but never implemented, the Félix Tshisekedi regime is in the grip of popular discontent that seems to be reaching its peak. The gap between citizens’ rights and government actions continues to widen, fostering a climate of intolerance reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes. However, the mobilization of social networks and civil society marks a new era where injustice can no longer remain in the shadows.

The calls for Tshisekedi’s resignation and the opposition to any constitutional adjustment for a third term reveal a palpable desire for change among the population. In this tense context, the need for constructive dialogue between the opposition and the government is essential. The march of January 24 is only a first step in a broader struggle for democracy and human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a path still strewn with pitfalls but filled with hope. Through this militant fresco, the Congolese people aspire to enlightened governance, respectful of the rights of each person.

**Title: Félix Tshisekedi calls for unity in the face of the Goma crisis**

On January 25, 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi gave a crucial directive to his Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa, to travel to Goma and assess the dramatic security situation afflicting this region of the DRC. Faced with nearly 5 million displaced people due to armed conflict, this mission embodies a hope of restoring trust between leaders and the population, while cultivating essential national solidarity.

The recent tribute paid to the deceased military governor highlights the human devastation of this crisis and recalls the importance of personalizing collective suffering. By inviting governors to mobilize on behalf of the displaced, Tshisekedi is initiating a more integrated governance process, focused on the basic needs of the affected communities.

However, for this initiative to bear fruit, transparent communication and open dialogue between the government and citizens are essential. This mission is not limited to a political response, but could become a springboard towards collective resilience and a renewal of the Congolese social fabric. Ultimately, this action echoes a continual quest for human dignity and unity in the face of adversity.

### Fighting corruption in the DRC: A call for unity

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is struggling in a sea of ​​corruption and impunity, but the determination of Jean-Baptiste Kasekwa, Honorary National Deputy, is shining a light on possible change. Awarded for his refusal to give in to bribes, Kasekwa symbolises individual resistance to a deeply entrenched system. However, the question is: can this bravery be transformed into a collective movement?

The numbers are alarming: the DRC ranks among the least transparent countries in the world, losing more than $12 billion each year to corruption. As nations like Rwanda and Botswana show that good governance is within reach, an urgent call for collective action is needed. Civil society, institutions and individual Congolese must mobilise to demand reforms and strengthen national integrity. The challenge is to transform isolated acts into a real response against corruption, because only a united front can hope to clear the skies of a DRC in search of prosperity.

**Masi-Manimba: Elections with a disputed result and an uncertain future**

The validation of the electoral results in Masi-Manimba by the Constitutional Court in December 2024 marks the end of a phase of political tensions. With five seats won by men representing the Sacred Union, the question of representation, particularly that of women, is acute. The total absence of female candidates during these elections highlights a lack of parity in a constituency where women play an essential role in the communities.

The Sacred Union, although in a position of strength, must prove its effectiveness in the face of the pressing expectations of voters. The challenges of infrastructure, access to drinking water and electricity are crucial, and citizens’ voices encourage unity among elected officials to respond to these issues. As the political landscape evolves, Masi-Manimba representatives must transform the hope for change into concrete actions, otherwise the risk of division and disillusionment will persist. Residents, seeking tangible improvements, are waiting to see how their new elected officials will respond to their basic needs.

### The Diamasumbu File: A Call to Action for Justice and Human Dignity in the DRC

The case of Raphaël Diamasumbu Mukanga, Inspector General of Finance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlights alarming dysfunctions within the country’s justice and health systems. Locked in extreme isolation due to neurological disorders, Raphaël is undergoing inappropriate care, while his family is hardening the fight against judicial maneuvers aimed at concealing the truth. This family tragedy reveals a worrying indifference towards vulnerable people and questions the ability of justice to protect the rights of each individual. The testimony of his sister, Cornelie, must act as a catalyst to demand a reform of judicial practices and better access to health care. At a time when human rights are struggling to assert themselves, the Diamasumbu case presents itself as a cry of alarm, calling for collective mobilization and shared responsibility to create a more just future.

### Digital Illusion: The Threat of Deepfakes in the DRC

In a world where truth seems to bend to the whims of artificial intelligence, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the scene of a disturbing incident. A doctored video, purporting to show President Félix Tshisekedi kissing singer Gloria Bash, has sent shockwaves through social media. Debunked by journalist Rodriguez Katsuva, this manipulation highlights the crucial issues of disinformation and trust in the media.

The line between truth and falsehood is blurring, exacerbated by an already fragile socio-political context. As the DRC fights against disinformation, particularly during election periods, media and civil society actors must step up their efforts to educate the public and ensure reliable information. Globally, nearly 60% of young people admit to having been victims of fake news, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced digital literacy.

The Tshisekedi-Bash incident should not be taken lightly. It reminds us that in a world where reality can be manipulated, it is essential to become vigilant and critical consumers of information, ready to challenge digital illusions.

**The New Topography of the West Bank: Between Blockades and Resilience**

In the occupied West Bank, the increase in Israeli roadblocks not only reveals military control, but also illustrates a profound transformation in the daily reality of local populations. With nearly 898 checkpoints established, these barriers impede movement, harm economies, and exacerbate communal tensions, affecting more than 60% of the population living below the poverty line. However, amidst this bleak picture, the resilience of residents is manifested through digital tools such as WhatsApp groups, which facilitate collective organization and the sharing of crucial information. These digital practices become a real form of resistance, allowing residents to circumvent the obstacles imposed by the occupation. While the blockades represent physical limits, they call for reflection on the future of coexistence in the West Bank and on how freedom struggles can reinvent themselves in the face of oppression.