Category: Politics

### Security at the heart of the debates in Haut-Katanga: towards participatory governance

Haut-Katanga, province with immense riches, is a decisive turning point in its history. During a crucial meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo and local deputies highlighted the pressing security issues that shake the region. The alarming increase in crime of almost 30 % in urban areas and persistent tensions require a global response combining socio-economic security and development.

The elections that govern local authority, tainted with fraud, and the reorganization of customary power also pose major challenges to governance. It is vital to encourage citizen participation and to be inspired by successful governance models to restore confidence between citizens and their institutions.

To build a serene future, Haut-Katanga must adopt a proactive approach, promoting collaboration between political actors, traditional authorities and civil society. By cultivating this inclusive dialogue, the province will be able to transform its challenges into opportunities, and draw the contours of a solid and lasting democracy.

** Joseph Kabila: The challenges of a Congolese truth in search of recognition **

In a captivating speech in Johannesburg, former Congolese president Joseph Kabila challenged the accusations binding him to the M23, reaffirming his desire to redefine the political account in the DRC. While the nation faces persistent crises, its call for an “endogenous approach” raises a crucial question: who truly holds the voice of the Congo? By highlighting the Congolese struggles, Kabila invites to collective introspection and pleads for a democratic transformation in the face of decades of unwarmed promises. In these troubled times, the Congolese people may well be the key to shaping a united future, far from political rivalries. The transformation of the country is now based on their ability to assert itself in the national and international debate.

** Towards an inclusive dialogue in the DRC: opportunity or dead end? **

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is going through a tumultuous period, marked by prolonged armed conflicts and a complex political crisis. The negotiations provided for in Luanda between the government, the M23 and the opposition, under the representation of the Angolan president, could inaugurate a historic turning point. However, these discussions arouse mixed reactions within the Congolese opposition. While leaders like Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu plead for an inclusive dialogue in favor of change, others, like the common front for the Congo and Jean-Marc Kabund, express criticism of the legitimacy of talks, asking the question of external influences and national sovereignty.

The climate of mistrust and the economic issues crucially ignored exacerbates this situation. The mineral wealth of the DRC, illegally exploited and often in the service of armed factions, show that any peace initiative must include a strong economic dimension. Thus, these negotiations cannot be limited to simple political discussion; They must also meet systemic challenges to create the basics of real lasting peace. The choices made during these talks will determine not only the political trajectory of the DRC, but also the future of millions of Congolese in search of stability.

** Electoral registration: a crucial issue for democracy in Côte d’Ivoire **

As the presidential election in October 2025 is approached, the update of the electoral file in Côte d’Ivoire represents a decisive stage both democratically and socially. Nearly 9 million citizens are temporarily registered, but the road is strewn with pitfalls. In a context responsible for political tensions and inequalities of access to the vote, this process is an opportunity to strengthen citizen participation and promote reconciliation. Young people, often underrepresented, have a crucial role to play in this dynamic, which can become key actors in change. However, vigilance is in order to avoid manipulation of electoral lists, essential to guarantee the confidence of Ivorians towards their institutions. Beyond a simple register, this pivotal moment can lay the groundwork for a solid civic conscience and a living democracy. Thus, each registration is not only a name on a list, but a step towards the democratic future of Côte d’Ivoire.

** Brazil: the repercussions of a demonstration and the uncertain future of a shaken democracy **

On March 16, Brazil was the scene of a manifestation marked by a weakened breath, where Jair Bolsonaro, former disputed president, shouted in the “denial of democracy” in the face of his ineligibility until 2030. This reversal of situation revealed a more complex reality than a simple voluntary confrontation between institutions and man. With a significant drop in mobilization, reaching almost 40 % compared to previous demonstrations, fundamental questions about popular support and the future of Brazilian democracy arise. While political polarization intensifies, the tensions between the executive and the judiciary illustrate a democratic system in imbalance. As the 2026 elections approached, the political landscape could well be redefined, while the fragility of democratic institutions is more urgent. Far from being out of danger, Brazilian democracy has to face challenges that could shape its future in a climate of growing uncertainty.

### DRC: mobilization of young people and challenges of security – towards lasting peace?

In a context of unprecedented crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, the second vice-president of the Senate, calls for urgent mobilization of youth in the face of the assault of the M23 supported by Rwanda. If his speech galvanizes around patriotism, he also highlights the fragility of the national army and the need for deep reforms. Beyond a simple military mobilization, Bahati insists on the importance of a serene political framework and an inclusive dialogue to establish a climate of confidence.

Existing peace initiatives, including Luanda and Nairobi processes, must be integrated into economic and social reforms to arouse lasting change. In parallel, a call for education and awareness of youth appears essential to perpetuate these efforts. The future of the DRC is therefore based on the ability to transform this cry of rallying into a collective project, thus building the foundations of real peace and shared prosperity.

### Institutional communication in the DRC: a need for consistency

In a world where information spreads to a dazzling speed, institutional communication in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) struggles to align itself with the requirements of good governance. While the era of the buzz amplifies individual votes to the detriment of cohesion, recent incidents, such as the declarations of the spokesperson for the Head of State, Tina Salama, indicate a lack of coordination and respect for hierarchies. The challenges are major: clarity and confidence in institutions suffer from disorderly communication.

To get out of this hubbub, the DRC must revisit its communication fundamentals. Inspired by examples of success, like that of Germany under Angela Merkel, the nation could establish a strategic framework where each actor knows its role. A “communication austerity”, far from being synonymous with silence, could strengthen institutional values ​​and government solidarity.

The future of institutional communication in the DRC depends on an assertive political will and a more thoughtful collective approach. Thus, it is crucial that each speech contributes significantly to restoring citizen trust and giving back to communication its right place in the national and international landscape.

### The end of an era: the attack on Voice of America and freedom of expression

The Trump administration has decided to silence emblematic votes like those of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia, causing a shock wave on press freedom both in the United States and worldwide. These media, which served as independent information shields for almost 80 years, were essential in the fight against disinformation within authoritarian regimes. Their closure illustrates a disturbing break with American commitment to freedom of expression.

The repercussions are vast: it is not only a blow to 1,300 dismissed journalists, but also a dangerous precedent likely to encourage the repression of critical voices all over the globe. In this alarming context, resilience emerges among independent journalists, who explore new avenues to circumvent censorship. While the struggle for freedom of information is intensifying, it is essential that each of us reaffirms its support for independent journalism and the defense of fundamental rights. The voice of truth must continue to resonate, even in the darkest moments.

### A crisis of confidence at the top of Israeli intelligence services

The imminent dismissal of Ronen Bar, head of Shin Bet, by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reveals deep tensions within the Israeli state apparatus. In a climate of exacerbated vulnerability following the tragic events of October 7, confidence shaken between Netanyahu and Bar raises critical questions about national security and the loyalty of intelligence institutions. While priority should be to protect Israel in the face of external threats, political rivalries are likely to compromise the effectiveness of security agencies. This conflict is not just a personal confrontation: it represents a broader challenge for Israeli governance, where the choice of a bar successor could determine the future of national security. While the war in Gaza continues, the implications of this crisis of confidence resonate far beyond the walls of the Shin Bet, directly affecting the democracy and security of Israeli citizens.

### Political cohesion and security challenges in the DRC: the urgent call for Modeste Bahati

On March 14, 2025, Modeste Bahati, a flagship figure of the Congo Democratic Forces Alliance, called for a strengthening of cohesion within the Sacred Union of the Nation during a political morning in Kinshasa. Faced with the intense humanitarian crisis in the East, where more than 700,000 people were moved in 2024, Bahati underlines the urgency of an integrated response combining policy, security and governance.

Criticizing a fractured governance scheme, he suggests that political unity could improve the efficiency of public resources, according to recent studies. Its call for international support, while respecting Congolese sovereignty, highlights the need to act against impunity, in particular via the intervention of the International Criminal Court.

In conclusion, Bahati’s speech is not limited to a simple rhetoric. It represents an urgent imperative of collective action to overcome current crises and pave the way for a political and socio-economic renaissance for the Democratic Republic of Congo.