Category: Politics

### A historic partnership for the Renaissance of the Rights of Victims in the DRC

On April 3, 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo marked a decisive stage with the signing of a partnership between the National Victims Repairs (FONAREV) and the United Nations system. This ambitious partnership aims to transform the landscape of the rights of victims of sexual violence in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, ravaged by years of conflict. Faced with an alarming humanitarian crisis, where more than 5.5 million Congolese are moved, this program structured around four pillars – documentation, access to justice, reparation and institutional strengthening – offers a holistic vision for the reconstruction of victims.

With an initial budget of $ 12 million, this project has the ambition to create a lasting impact, but it will also depend on a solid international commitment and rigorous monitoring to guarantee its success. While poignant testimonies recall the urgency of acting, this initiative calls on each citizen to mobilize so as not to let this promise be forgotten. The future of human rights in the DRC is at a turning point: will we be those who choose to transform this opportunity into reality?

** Marine Le Pen: a judicial decision at the heart of a political storm **

The recent conviction of Marine Le Pen to five years of ineligibility represents a significant turning point for the former head of the National Rally and for the French political landscape as a whole. This sanction, much more than a simple judicial case, raises crucial questions on the interaction between law and politics.

While the RN, which prospered on the challenge of traditional institutions, faces a major challenge, the reaction of political figures like François Bayrou underlines the existing tensions within the political class. The fear of a boomerang effect on the electorate, particularly in times of ascent of the RN in the ballot boxes, becomes palpable: a conviction could exacerbate the rejection of the elites and strengthen support for new movements.

In this situation, traditional alliances are redefined. The Socialist Party, while criticizing the RN, seems to favor a unitary approach against the extreme right. The current crisis could open the way to political alternatives, thus renewing the debate on republican values.

In conclusion, the situation of Marine Le Pen is an opportunity to reassess the functioning of the French political system, its institutions and its representatives. While the population awaits responses to multiple crises, the political landscape is changing, suggesting the emergence of new forms of citizen mobilization.

** Judith Sumwina Tuluka: one year in power between promises and reality **

A year after his ascent to the prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Sumwina Tuluka finds himself at the crossroads. His historic appointment as the first woman to direct the government in 2024 sparked important expectations, both socio-economic and security. Faced with colossal challenges such as political instability, corruption and armed violence, its management is a test of resilience.

If economic reforms have been launched, the results are struggling to satisfy. With inflation reaching almost 10%, precariousness remains omnipresent, and the business climate remains unusual. At the same time, the security situation in the Kivu provinces intensified, despite government efforts to restore order.

While his team strives to establish a community dialogue, the perception of insecurity persists, questioning the effectiveness of the measures implemented. At the heart of the debates, the question remains: does the transition to female leadership mark a turning point or is it a simple promise? The DRC has the opportunity to write a new chapter in its history, but the road is strewn with pitfalls.

### General Fabien Dunia Kashindi: a renewal for security in South Kivu and Maniema

The appointment of General Fabien Dunia Kashindi at the head of the 33rd military region represents a major turning point for security in South Kivu and Maniema, two provinces plagued by chronic insecurity. With an impressive military career started in 1997, Dunia has acquired precious expertise, both national and internationally, notably thanks to training in Europe.

This change comes in a context of exacerbated violence where armed conflicts and inter -community tensions threaten the peace of civilians. The revival of the Usalama operation under his command testifies to the urgency of eradicating violence and restoring order.

But the challenges are colossal: the national army must not only rectify its military capacities, but also forge links with local communities to establish an inclusive dialogue. The success of this approach will depend on a human rights approach and the satisfaction of the basic needs of the populations.

Reflection therefore implores increased vigilance, inviting to transform this passing of power into a real opportunity for refoundation, both military and human, in a region in desperate quest for stability.

### withdrawals of candidates in the elections: what lessons for our democracy?

The electoral landscape is transformed with the withdrawals of Oscar Oshobale, Simon Gbalimo Mbedwa and Izato Nzege of the race for governance, a decision which testifies to a significant evolution in the policy of our sacred union. These choices, far from harmless, raise questions about loyalty and political responsibility. By opting for withdrawal, these candidates choose to reposition themselves in a changing political environment, in search of “political conviviality”. At the same time, other competitors persist in their campaign, offering a contrast that could influence the choice of voters. As the elections approaches, this situation becomes an opportunity for citizens to reflect on their choices and to consider the impact of these withdrawals on the future of our democracy. In this crucial context, it is imperative that voters assess the meaning of these decisions and actively engage in the electoral process to shape a stable and coherent future.

** Presidential grace in the DRC: an act of leniency or a political calculation? **

On April 1, 2025, the Congolese president’s surprise decision to pardon three Americans sentenced to death for an attempted coup raised crucial questions. While this gesture brings a glimmer of hope to the families concerned, it also reflects political and diplomatic tensions in a country in crisis. Justice in the DRC, often perceived as instrumentalized, is put to the test in this context where the status of defendants influences their fate. This grace, although potentially humanizing, could also be interpreted as an embarrassing concession for the regime. Beyond the immediate consequences, this act could open the way to an essential dialogue on human rights and legal transparency, thus raising fundamental questions about the future of the DRC and its international relations. A symbolic gesture that could catalyze a deep change, despite its ambivalent motivations.

### Kalemie: a city in the face of increasing insecurity

Kalemie, in the province of Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of Congo, faces growing insecurity. The return of banditry, fueled by the recent escape of criminals and the desertion of fellow soldiers, plunges the population into fear. With around 70 % of escapees recurrent quickly, the situation highlights an already weakened penitentiary system. Local authorities, although determined to restore order, must act beyond speeches by integrating socio-economic programs to offer alternatives to crime. To restore confidence, it is crucial that community and public authorities collaborate. The future of Kalemie depends on a collective approach focused on prevention and rehabilitation.

** The sacred union in crisis before the Kwilu elections: an imminent upheaval? **

As April 2 provincial elections approaches to Kwilu, the political coalition known as the Sacred Union is found at a decisive turning point. The controversial announcement of the governor candidate, Philippe Akamituna Ndolo, by the permanent secretary highlighted internal tensions and a strong dissatisfaction among his members. Influential figures like Ethis Mbala denounces the absence of consultations, raising fears that this authoritarian centralization will wrap the legitimacy of the alliance at the very moment when it should display its unit.

The situation gets worse as sixteen candidates of the Sacred Union enter, but without registered opposition, leaving doubt about the membership of voters. The results may well surprise with a vote in favor of independent candidates in response to this omnipresent authoritarianism. Philippe Akamituna Ndolo is trying to reassure, but his strategy could base more rebellion than it pacifies. Beyond Kwilu, the consequences of this internal crisis will resonate throughout the Congolese political landscape, questioning the representativeness and legitimacy of alliances.

April 2 will not only determine the future governor, but will deeply question the political methods of the country and the importance of the civic voice in democracy.

** The union to overcome adversity: the call of Mattheus Kanga Londimo with collective resilience in tshopo **

In a context marked by threats of violence and disinformation, the president of the provincial assembly of TSHOPO, Mattheus Kanga Londimo, knew how to touch hearts by launching an urgent appeal to unity and vigilance. When the ordinary session of March 2025 was opened, he recalled the lessons of the past, evoking the suffering endured in Kisangani in the 2000s, while stressing the importance of a strong civic commitment to counter the disinformation that plagues the spirits.

Kanga advocates the creation of a provincial resistance committee, not only as a security measure, but also as a means of strengthening the social fabric. He also insists on the essential role of institutions in governance in times of crisis, calling for active citizen participation to regain confidence.

Faced with uncertainties, his message resonates as a call to cultivate peace around common values. Tshopo, faced with security challenges, can transform this adversity into an opportunity to build community resilience based on unity and solidarity. Only a collective mobilization will allow the province to get rid of the scars of the past and to envisage a serene future.

** The tragic death of a police officer in Kinshasa: a cry of alarm on institutional violence **

The death of the 1st class brigadier Kabeya Senda Fiston in Kinshasa, which occurred in enigmatic circumstances, illustrates the deep tensions within the Congolese National Police (PNC). In a context of increasing institutional violence, this drama raises crucial questions about respect for human life and the effectiveness of security forces in a country marked by insecurity. This case highlights not only dysfunctions in police coordination, but also reveals a climate of distrust and fear among the agents themselves.

While the PNC announces a military investigation, contradictory testimonies and alarming statistics on human rights violations by the police add to indignation. This situation calls for an urgent transformation: modernization of training, revaluation of internal dialogue and citizen engagement in security decisions are avenues of change. The death of Kabeya Senda Fiston could thus become the catalyst for a deep reflection on security, justice and human dignity in a Democratic Republic of Congo in search of peace.