Category: Politics

**Title: Samia Suluhu Hassan faces the democratic test: Continuation or revolt?**

As the 2024 general elections approach, Tanzania is at a decisive political turning point. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the designated candidate of the ruling CCM party, advocates continuity that raises questions. Although she has opened dialogue by allowing the return of banned media, her mandate is tainted by accusations of authoritarian excesses, similar to those of her predecessor, John Magufuli.

In a context where the opposition is organizing, notably with the Chadema party in search of a new leader and the ACT Wazalendo ready to challenge Hassan, electoral polarization is looming. Faced with growing public disenchantment with the CCM, demands for electoral reforms are being heard, reinforcing a dynamic of tension.

Tanzania’s political choices, under the watchful eye of the international community, will determine whether the country returns to democratic governance or slides into authoritarianism. Samia Suluhu Hassan therefore faces a major challenge: responding to the aspirations of a people hungry for change and curbing the democratic crisis that threatens the country’s future.

### A Ray of Hope for Congolese Democracy: The Electoral Integrity and Mediation Commission

On January 16, 2025, the DRC took a major step forward with the inauguration of the Electoral Integrity and Mediation Commission (CIME) in Kisangani, chaired by Bishop Gabriel Luzolo. This innovative initiative aims to establish a transparent electoral process, by unifying the voices of different religious denominations to strengthen the legitimacy of elections. In addition to overseeing the electoral framework, the CIME also takes civic education to heart, responding to the urgent need to inform and raise the political awareness of the Congolese, a majority of whom feel ill-prepared to exercise their right to vote.

However, this bright promise is not without challenges: distrust of institutions, political tensions, and the influence of interest groups could hamper its effectiveness. The success of the CIME will depend on its ability to maintain its integrity while establishing a sincere dialogue with political actors. Beyond electoral issues, the CIME represents a crucial opportunity to build a stronger democracy, but its tangible impact on the ground will be the true barometer of its success. In a DRC seeking renewal, attention is now turned to the evolution of this Commission and its implications for Congolese society as a whole.

### Repression in the DRC: A Future Threatened by Fear

The Democratic Republic of Congo is in the grip of an insidious repression, orchestrated by a regime that uses disinformation and media manipulation to stigmatize dissenting voices. Attacks on citizens who dare to criticize the government create an atmosphere of mistrust and division, jeopardizing social cohesion and exacerbating ethnic tensions. The repercussions are alarming, with a 30% drop in public trust in institutions.

Faced with this situation, the international community must act. Targeted sanctions against those responsible for these violations and support for local awareness-raising initiatives are essential to encourage inclusive dialogue and build the foundations of a sustainable democracy. The time has come for the Congolese people and their international partners to come together to make a common voice heard, capable of overcoming fear and paving the way for a free and democratic future.

### Kinshasa: A Revealing Vows Exchange Ceremony for the DRC

On January 18, 2025, the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa will host a key ceremony in the diplomatic landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Under the spotlight, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and the diplomatic corps will exchange vows, a moment that transcends protocol to address vital topics such as economic partnerships, regional security, and the growing influence of emerging powers.

With a potentially win-win discourse and a particular focus on security challenges in the east of the country, the ceremony promises to be a springboard for envisioning a stable and prosperous future. As the DRC aspires to play a mediating role in regional crises, this event will symbolize not only diplomatic tradition but also the hope for enlightened leadership in the face of contemporary challenges.

**Gaza: A Historic Turning Point for Palestinian Governance?**

The recent statement by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announcing a willingness to assume “full responsibility” for Gaza promises to change the territory’s political dynamics. In a context of deep disillusionment and suffering among the population, the question arises: can the PA, weakened by internal struggles, restore trust and effectively address the urgent challenges of reconstruction and the reintegration of the displaced?

Compared to Hamas, whose governance is criticized for its authoritarianism, the PA must prove its ability to provide transparent and focused administration to the needs of Gazans. Yet, nearly 60% of the population expresses distrust in a return to centralized power, widening a historic divide between Palestinian factions.

With promises of international aid on the line, Gaza’s future may hinge on the PA’s ability to translate this political promise into tangible action. Only an approach focused on citizen well-being and reconciliation could restore hope to this wounded territory.

# HelloQuitteX: A Digital Revolution Underway

The HelloQuitteX collective, through its call to massively leave the X platform on January 20, raises crucial issues about the future of public discourse. More than a simple withdrawal, this movement embodies a real overhaul of digital discussion spaces and questions the manipulation of discourse that predominates on social networks. Faced with the rise of information poisoning, alternatives like Mastodon are emerging, but the fear of isolation is holding back their adoption.

Institutions and individuals are becoming aware of their social responsibility, participating in a collective dynamic that questions the values ​​of modern democracy. The HelloQuitteX initiative could become the driving force for a new citizen mobilization, inspiring authentic exchanges. To build a healthier digital space, the challenge is to redefine engagement beyond simple withdrawal, by promoting open and informed dialogue. In short, HelloQuitteX could pave the way to an era where digital civic-mindedness takes on its full meaning.

**Iglesia Betania: Religion at the Heart of a Political Shift Among Hispanics**

In the affluent neighborhood of Reading, Pennsylvania, the Betania Church represents a significant sociopolitical shift in the Hispanic community in the United States. Under the leadership of Pastor Tony Perez, the church is becoming a place where religious beliefs and electoral choices are intertwined, reflecting a rise in conservative support among Hispanics. Indeed, the vote for Donald Trump has seen a significant increase, from 32% to 46% between 2020 and 2024, a phenomenon largely attributed to traditional values ​​shared by the community, such as defense of life and opposition to gender ideology. At the same time, economic challenges such as poverty and inflation are amplifying this conservative shift, as the Hispanic electorate seeks solutions to their daily concerns. This shift highlights a duality of identity, where traditional values ​​coexist with more inclusive movements, placing the church at the heart of an evolving electoral dynamic.

**Gabon: Militarization of the vote and democratic challenges**

Gabon is embarking on an unprecedented path with the integration of the military into its electoral process, an initiative that raises serious concerns about the country’s democratic future. Although welcomed by supporters of the transitional president, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, this measure could weaken citizen participation and increase political tension, as examples in other African countries indicate. The question arises: will this development mark the rebirth of a democracy or a slide towards authoritarianism with devastating consequences? In a context where technological innovation promises to improve transparency, the vigilance of citizens and the international community will be crucial to ensure a political future supported by solid democratic principles.

**Butembo: A notable civic gesture of support for the FARDC**

On January 16, the inhabitants of Butembo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, surprised by supporting the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) by donating food and essential goods. This initiative, led by the Synergy of Citizen Movements, highlights a change in dynamics in the often tumultuous relations between civil society and the army. By offering nearly two tons of provisions, the citizens of Butembo expressed patriotic solidarity in the face of external threats, particularly those posed by the M23 rebels. This gesture, which demonstrates a desire to restore trust between the military and the population, could pave the way for a popular movement of support for the defense forces, the effects of which could transform the socio-political landscape of the region. In a context of crisis, this generous act reveals the potential for a new era of cooperation and resilience in the face of security challenges.

### Social Pact in the DRC: A Ray of Hope for Peace

The Democratic Republic of Congo, long marked by conflict and inequality, is seeing a promising initiative emerge thanks to actors such as Denis Mukwege and the national Churches. Could the project of a social pact, anchored in community values ​​and resolutely focused on living well together, be the catalyst for necessary change? By reviving traditional methods of conflict resolution, while calling for collective mobilization—from local actors to international donors—this pact could offer a path to peace. However, the challenges remain immense: conflicting political interests, economic exploitation of resources, and the imperative need for real political will. The DRC finds itself at a crossroads, invited to build a future where dignity and justice prevail. A real challenge that requires attentive listening to the aspirations of the Congolese people and an ethical commitment from all stakeholders.