Category: Politics

**Côte d’Ivoire: Towards a Peaceful Presidential Election in 2025?**

As the 2025 presidential election approaches in Côte d’Ivoire, the quest for a peaceful election is more relevant than ever. During a recent meeting in Abidjan, Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert, President of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), attempted to reassure stakeholders about the transparency and integrity of the election. However, concerns remain about the composition of the CEI, which lawyers consider unbalanced, and who highlight the negative consequences of such a situation on the legitimacy of the elections.

Engaging citizens and putting in place mechanisms to ensure their participation are essential. While the provisional electoral list will be published in March, innovative avenues such as electronic voting could offer greater transparency and accessibility. The political future of Côte d’Ivoire therefore depends on a collective commitment of socio-political actors to avoid a spiral of mistrust and promote a peaceful and democratic election. A call for action is launched to build together a democracy that is based on the trust of all.

**Laken Riley Act: A Reflection on Immigration and Security in the United States**

The recent passage of the Laken Riley Act by the House of Representatives represents a major shift in the political discourse on immigration in America. Named after a tragedy that occurred in 2022, the bill seeks to strengthen detention measures for illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes. However, beyond the voting numbers, it raises critical questions about crime, public perception, and the practical implications for legal and economic systems.

Even as studies show that immigrants commit fewer crimes than natives, the Laken Riley Act tends to reinforce stereotypes and stoke fears surrounding immigration. By requiring increased ICE capacity without adequate funding, the bill also creates significant logistical challenges. This act may be more symbolic than operational, amplifying a political narrative that stigmatizes groups.

As America navigates these complex debates, it is crucial to consider alternatives based on empathy and inclusion, rather than fear and repression. A balanced approach could not only strengthen community safety, but also enrich the social fabric of the country. The true American response to these immigration challenges lies in the dignity and respect afforded to every individual, regardless of their immigration status.

### Violence in Kolwezi: A Call for Reflection and Action

This morning in Kolwezi, a tragic event shook the community when a motorcycle taxi operator was beheaded in front of impassive witnesses. This act of violence, far from being isolated, raises concerns about the rise in crime in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the rate of violence exceeds the world average. This tragedy highlights not only the cruel reality of violence in public spaces, but also the growing apathy of the population in the face of horror, illustrated by the inaction of witnesses. The mayor called for increased vigilance, but without real justice reform and promotion of community safety, fear will continue to stifle action. To hope for a better future, society must mobilize around education, awareness-raising and concrete initiatives, thus transforming Kolwezi into a place where human life is valued and solidarity triumphs over violence. It is a call to go beyond the status of a simple news item and to initiate a national debate on security and social cohesion.

### Brothers in Conflict: Adam Déby Itno’s Letter and the Future of Chad

Adam Déby Itno’s recent open letter to his brother, President Mahamat Idriss Déby, marks a deep fracture within the Déby family and raises concerns about Chad’s political stability. Exiled in Egypt for ten years, Adam depicts a Chad in ruins, torn between the dangers of civil war and the shadow of an authoritarian regime. His harsh criticism of Mahamat’s regime, which claims to be an heir to the family’s power, reveals tensions that have been intensifying since the death of their father, Idriss Déby Itno.

Mahamat’s rapid response, evoking feelings of hatred and jealousy, underscores his vulnerability to unexpected dissent within his own siblings. This family conflict also illustrates the fragile health of a state where popular protest is growing, making power increasingly precarious. As a result, the Déby family’s internal dialogue could represent an opportunity for Chad to reinvent itself, leading to a reflection on national unity and opening up space for reconciliation, not only within the family, but also at the national level.

**Conflicts in Congolese Land: Beyond the Weapons, the Roots of the Drama in the DRC**

In the depths of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a human drama is playing out, exacerbated by rivalries for control of natural resources and the aftermath of a tumultuous colonial history. The recent advances of the M23 rebels in Minova highlight a reality that is much more complex than simple military clashes. The Congolese Minister of Communication, Patrick Muyaya, calls on the international community to consider its role in a crisis that affects millions of lives, while denouncing the troubling influence of Rwanda.

The conflicts in the DRC are not just about territory; they are rooted in a game of economic and geopolitical interests. With prized resources like coltan and gold at stake, the fallout from this battle is causing dramatic human losses and spectacular economic costs. Behind the political rhetoric lies a system where colonial legacies and corruption stifle efforts to build a stable nation.

Despite the darkness, there are rays of hope. Local initiatives for peace and citizen participation are essential to envisioning a sustainable future. The DRC has immense potential; transforming crises into opportunities and integrating the voices of the Congolese into decision-making could pave the way for true peace. Ultimately, the DRC deserves new attention and innovative solutions, as its future is shaped through struggles for human rights and justice.

**Europe facing the Trump challenge: towards strategic autonomy?**

The election of Donald Trump has shaken up the global geopolitical landscape, posing a major challenge to Europe. While the American presidency is questioning the United States’ military commitment to the continent, European countries are called upon to redefine their identity and strategic autonomy. A study shows that 62% of Europeans want to defend their own interests, even at the risk of distancing themselves from America. This turning point could push European nations to strengthen their military and diplomatic capabilities, but also to integrate local supply chains to reduce their dependence.

In this context of growing rivalries, Europe must find a balance between its shared values ​​with the United States and the need to assert a united voice in the world. The current period, although marked by uncertainty, represents a unique opportunity for the old continent to forge a new common vision. The future of Europe will depend on the collective choices it makes today to transform this challenge into an opportunity.

**At the heart of the French challenge: between freedom of expression and radicalization**

The trial of Zaheer Mahmood, sentenced to 30 years in prison for an attack in front of the former offices of Charlie Hebdo, highlights the crucial issues facing France. This attack, reflecting latent violence, calls into question freedom of expression and its balance with religious beliefs in a society facing growing tensions. If the State responds with judicial responses, preventing radicalization among young people requires a more comprehensive approach, encompassing education and interreligious dialogue. At the same time, the role of the media and social networks raises fundamental ethical questions, sometimes exacerbating social divisions. As France navigates these challenges, the quest for a resilient and united society seems more urgent than ever. The big question remains: how far will France be prepared to evolve to meet this major societal challenge?

**South Korea’s Political Crisis: A Watershed for Democracy**

South Korean politics is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis of legitimacy as suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol faces serious charges of corruption and abuse of power. His impeachment highlights real dangers to democracy, as acts such as the declaration of martial law and the deployment of the military into parliament raise concerns about the fragility of the country’s democratic institutions. This is part of a broader trend in Asia, where populist leaders are challenging democratic values ​​in favor of an exacerbated nationalism. With public opinion divided and media coverage critical, the Constitutional Court’s response, expected soon, could shape South Korea’s political future. In this period of uncertainty, citizens are urged to remain vigilant in defending their rights and freedoms in the face of the tumults of power.

### Ruwenzori Youth Face ADF Threat: Urgent Call for Mobilization

The security situation in Ruwenzori, in the city of Beni in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is becoming increasingly alarming, particularly for its youth. As attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels multiply, with three tragic incidents in just ten days, young people in the region are urgently appealing to the authorities to guarantee their safety. This urgency goes beyond the simple need for protection: it reflects deeper issues related to unemployment, education and development opportunities.

The unemployment rate among young people is reaching critical levels, reaching nearly 60%, largely due to security conditions that discourage investors. Far from being mere victims, these young people aspire to lasting change that requires reinforced security measures, but also economic and social revitalization. By integrating a multidimensional approach – combining education, employment and dialogue – the DRC can initiate a real process of peace and development. This is the time for these young people to assert themselves as actors of their own destiny, and to become the catalysts of a better future for their region.

### January 25: Between Celebration and Reflection in Egypt

January 25, an official holiday in Egypt, commemorates the anniversary of the 2011 Revolution and honors Police Day. But beyond this festivity, this date raises crucial questions about the current meaning of these celebrations. As the country faces social and economic challenges, the memory of the popular movement that called for freedom and justice seems to be diluted in an ambiguous nostalgia. For the younger generations who live a different reality, it is fundamental to ask whether this anniversary can still inspire a true national dialogue. Abroad, the Egyptian diaspora continues to commemorate this event, testifying to a struggle that continues despite the years. Thus, January 25 becomes not only a day of celebration, but a moment of introspection on the aspirations of a people in search of meaning and progress.