Category: Politics

**The Fight Against Corruption in the DRC: Resurrecting a Storm of Scandals**

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a critical turning point in its fight against corruption, with the emergence of a judicial investigation targeting the Central Bank and its state-owned mining giant Gécamines. A revealing investigation has uncovered the disappearance of more than $315 million between 2012 and 2020, heightening concerns about transparency within these vital institutions. Despite promises of reform and imminent arrests, the question of political will remains at the heart of the debate, leaving many citizens skeptical about an often ineffective justice system. At the same time, the DRC stands on the cusp of an economic revitalization opportunity, thanks to its invaluable natural resources, but this requires a sincere commitment to accountability and transparency. As eyes turn to the country, hope for a paradigm shift remains fragile, but essential for a better future.

**Tragic Accident in Kalemie: An Urgent Call for Road Safety**

On January 19, 2023, Kalemie was rocked by a fatal accident on Boulevard Lumumba, where a speeding vehicle hit a motorcycle, tragically killing two passengers, including a five-year-old boy. This incident raises burning questions about the deplorable state of the roads and the lack of respect for traffic rules in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country where nearly 80% of accidents are caused by human factors and poor infrastructure.

Despite the outrage over this tragedy, the citizens’ movement Parlement débout sans tabous is calling for improved infrastructure and increased awareness of road safety. National statistics also warn of the economic and human costs of accidents, prompting reflection on sustainable solutions. It is imperative to act so that every life lost is a step towards necessary reform. The safety of road users must become a priority, because every road should be synonymous with safety and life.

### The Assassination of Richard Otieno: A Cry of Alarm for Human Rights in Kenya

The tragic assassination of Richard Otieno, a fierce human rights defender and icon of the Gen Z movement, sheds a disturbing light on the growing repression of activists in Kenya. While authorities have described his death as a “villainous attack,” many observers have seen it as a political murder, highlighting the dangers faced by those who dare to challenge the authorities. In a context of heightened violence against activists, with more than 80 defenders missing in six months, the urgent need to protect dissenting voices is more pressing than ever. The call for international vigilance and reforms to secure these human rights defenders is crucial, as their fight for justice and truth deserves to be heard before it is too late.

**American Democracy on Trial: The Rise of Trump and the Future of Institutions**

As Donald Trump prepares for a tumultuous return to the White House, American democracy is facing an alarming dilemma. Far from being a simple question of personality, this challenge raises questions about the state of popular trust in institutions and the resilience of checks and balances in the face of increasingly populist governance. Researchers reveal that less than half of Americans trust their institutions, a reflection of a worrying polarization exacerbated by social networks and disinformation.

Behind the political debates lies a call for civic engagement by citizens, because the sustainability of democracy depends not only on its structures, but also on the collective will to defend fundamental values. In this crucial period, it is essential to encourage constructive and inclusive dialogue, rather than giving in to division. American democracy, though tested, can rise from its ashes, but only if citizens fully commit to meeting the challenge.

### Donald Trump’s Inauguration: Disruption or Continuity?

Donald Trump’s inauguration marks a significant shift in the American political landscape, evoking both a promise of revenge against the Biden administration and a continuity in the use of populist rhetoric. His speech, laden with powerful language, aims to energize a loyal base often perceived as marginalized. This polarization, which propelled Trump in 2016, raises essential questions: Is his desire for rupture truly innovative or part of a broader political tradition? With support dynamics on the rise among working-class and rural communities, the challenge will be to see whether Trump can translate his rhetoric into concrete actions in the face of growing sociopolitical challenges. The impact of this inauguration could not only redraw the boundaries of political debate, but also influence the entire global stage, as citizens prepare to live a new political normal.

**Kinshasa: When violence reveals societal fractures**

The tragic discovery of a 19-year-old girl, stabbed in the Mbanza Lemba neighborhood of Kinshasa, highlights the growing insecurity that is undermining the Democratic Republic of Congo. Beyond the pain of this loss, it is a disillusioned youth, faced with alarming unemployment and a lack of opportunities, who are calling out. The authorities, although aware of the problem, are struggling to guarantee the safety of citizens, leaving a void that community initiatives are trying to fill. This tragedy highlights the urgency of a dialogue between political decision-makers, young people and civil society to build sustainable solutions. The death of this young girl is not just a news item; it is a call to action for a peaceful and secure future in the DRC.

### Lubumbashi: Curfew and Insecurity – A Sufficient Response?

Lubumbashi, the second largest city in the DRC, is plagued by growing insecurity, prompting Governor Jacques Kyabula to impose a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m., starting January 20. This decision follows an alarming increase in crime, with the rate having climbed by 27% in the last quarter of 2023. While this measure aims to restore security, it risks impacting individual freedoms and the nightlife of a population already in economic difficulty.

Alternatives, such as increased police presence or social integration programs, are emerging as potential avenues to combat crime in the long term. The key lies in a comprehensive approach that considers the structural roots of the problem, including unemployment and lack of opportunities for young people. While the curfew represents an immediate response, a deeper reflection on the social needs of citizens is essential to building sustainable security in Lubumbashi.

**Democratic Republic of Congo: Between Promised Reforms and Enduring Challenges**

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is going through a period of major upheaval. The recent appointment of Nsensele Wa Nsele as First President of the Council of State marks a potential turning point towards more equitable justice, while highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms in a system often perceived as corrupt. At the same time, the fight against crime in Lushagala raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures and calls for a holistic strategy integrating diplomacy and reconciliation.

In the field of education, the extension of free education represents a step forward, but requires a rigorous framework to counter the high school dropout rate. Finally, the rise in urban violence, fueled by poverty, requires solutions that address the root causes of these problems. In this complex context, collaboration between the government and civil society appears essential to build a future where peace, justice and education are truly the foundations of a prosperous DRC.

**Title: Lubumbashi: a solidarity march for the FARDC and the DRC**

On January 19, thousands of Congolese gathered in Lubumbashi to express their support for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in the face of the growing security crisis in the east of the country. Organized by parties of the presidential majority, this march is not only a symbolic act, but a true barometer of popular concerns and a call for national unity. In a context where trust in institutions is weakened, this mobilization aims to restore the image of the parties while strengthening the legitimacy of the army. To go beyond emotional support, it is crucial that concrete actions follow this surge of solidarity, in order to establish a lasting peace that involves the government, military institutions and the Congolese population.

**Bangui: Popular support for Touadéra, between hopes and political manipulation**

This Saturday, Bangui vibrated to the rhythm of a march in favor of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, orchestrated by the Coalition Touadéra 2025. If this demonstration of support seems to reflect a certain popular support, it also raises questions about the sincerity of this mobilization in a complex political-historical context. With a constitutional reform allowing Touadéra to run for a third term, the opposition sees its concerns growing about an autocratic drift and the absence of real dialogue. The Central African Republic is therefore at a crossroads, where expectations of development, peace and inclusiveness collide with a reality marked by inequalities. As the 2025 elections approach, the fragility of the national consensus could further widen fault lines, calling into question the political future of the country.