Category: Politics

### ODEP Reaction: Patriotism or Division in the DRC?

On February 11, 2025, the Observatory of Public Expenditure (ODEP) created controversy by describing the ongoing dialogue between the Catholic Churches, Rwanda, and the M23 rebel movement as “betrayal.” This call for “patriotic resistance” raises crucial questions. If patriotism can unite, can it also divide in a country marked by tumultuous ethnic diversity? In a context where African societies often juggle the challenges of nationalism, could ODEP exacerbate internal tensions instead of fostering unity?

As the country struggles with divergent political legitimacies and broken promises, the future of the DRC may require more than just cries of unity. Deep reflection on inclusive dialogue and a shared vision seem to be becoming imperatives for building a peaceful future. The answer to this crisis may lie not in the affirmation of identity, but in the delicate art of conciliation between different voices.

**The Bazoum Case: A Warning of the Dangers of Arbitrariness in Niger**

The July 26, 2023 coup in Niger, which resulted in the capture of President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, has plunged the country into a deep sociopolitical crisis. This arbitrary detention, described as a “political hostage” by Reed Brody, a lawyer with the Bazoum defense collective, calls into question the legitimacy of military power and exposes worrying practices similar to those observed in other countries such as Burma and Sudan. Faced with increasing pressure from the international community, including the UN and the African Union, the junta could play on nationalism to justify its repression. As Niger struggles with growing insecurity and inequalities that exacerbate social tensions, the future of the country will depend on the ethical and political choices that are made. Bazoum’s fate could well become the symbol of a struggle for human dignity, justice and lasting peace in Africa.

** Repression and resistance: Malian policy to test the faith **

At the heart of a growing political crisis, Mali sees its religious leaders like Imam Mahmoud Dicko becomes a symbol of protest in the face of a regime in the grip of instability. The kidnapping of Daouda Magassa, ally of Dicko, illustrates a strategy of repression aimed at stifling any form of opposition. This dynamic of intimidation, far from reducing the ardor of supporters, could catalyze increased mobilization in anticipation of the long -awaited return of the imam. In this context where almost 90 % of the population declares itself Muslim, the border between politics and spirituality fades, redefining the challenges of power. While the country is at a crossroads, the authorities’ ability to manage this rise in dispute could well determine the future of Mali and inspire other nations in the region.

### Kinshasa in turmoil: popular anger in the face of uncertainty

On January 28, 2025, Kinshasa was the scene of violent demonstrations, initially intended to denounce the Rwandan aggression in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This anger, rooted in accumulated frustrations concerning poor governance, corruption and poverty, quickly turned into chaos targeting infrastructure, including the telecommunications company Africell. These events underline the fragility of the geopolitical situation and the need for a constructive and peaceful commitment of the Congolese to meet their needs. While manifestations reveal a deep desire for change, the question of civic responsibility emerges with force. The DRC is at a crucial turning point: will it succeed in transforming this agitation into a unified movement for social justice, or will it sink more in despair?

** Legislative in Kosovo: an uncertain future at the heart of political tensions **

The legislative elections of February 9 in Kosovo reveal a tumultuous political landscape, where the preliminary results seem favorable to Prime Minister Albin Kurti, but the rise of the opposition parties throws a shadow on his re -election. Between unwarmed promises and increasing dissatisfaction, confidence in the government is fragile. This election, potentially marked by fragile alliances, could transform the political landscape while lifting crucial issues for the stability of the Balkan region. While civil society, especially young people, demands more transparency, Kosovo is at a decisive crossroads, where decisions made today will shape its future and its European integration. The coming weeks will be decisive, both for the Kosovar people and for peace in an already delicate regional context.

** Political future of Marine Le Pen: What impact of the presidency of the Constitutional Council? **

This Monday marks a potential turning point for the French political landscape with the appointment of the president of the Constitutional Council, a key actor that can influence the future of controversial figures like Marine Le Pen. An essential institution in the protection of republican values, the Council has the power to determine the ineligibility of elected officials, which could upset the political balance as the elections of 2027 approaches.

The choice of the new president could also exacerbate tensions between citizens and institutions, while public confidence is already eroded. The appointment of a person perceived as biased could revive popular dissatisfaction and strengthen the radicalization of certain segments of society. In short, this so-called ordinary day could become a pivotal moment in the French political game, redefining not only the parties of parties of the parties, but also the relationship of citizens to democracy.

** Gaza to the prism of Trump politics: towards a new vision of the conflict? **

Donald Trump’s recent proposals concerning the reconstruction of Gaza are both daring and controversial, arousing live reactions both regional and international. After the announcement not to finance the rehabilitation of Gaza, but to suggest that neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan temporarily welcome the Palestinians, the response was immediate. Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi firmly rejected this idea, anchoring his refusal in a story of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The debate goes beyond simple political considerations: economic implications are just as significant, while the billions necessary for reconstruction raise questions of international cooperation and regional stability. In the background, these proposals also reveal reflections on American domestic policy, in a context where public opinion is becoming more and more critical of the foreign approach in the United States.

Thus, while the future of Gaza remains uncertain, the need for an approach based on human rights and self -determination is becoming important. The challenges of justice and respect for Palestinian aspirations should not be swept away, because they represent the key to real and lasting peace.

** Title: Trump’s setbacks: intimidation or cooperation? **

At the dawn of his second mandate, Donald Trump finds himself faced with a paradox: his intimidation policy, advocating an “America First”, seems obsolete today in an increasingly multipolar world. In recent years, its decisions, such as the withdrawal of the Paris Agreement and the worsening of trade tensions, have aroused unexpected reactions from its partners and leads to significant economic losses. While the president realizes the dangers of economic interdependence, the question arises: can he evolve towards a more pragmatic model of global cooperation? The future of American economic policy now depends on its ability to adapt to an environment where collaboration is essential, calling into question its image of economic “Rambo”. History teaches us that the real powers assert themselves not by domination, but by cooperation.

### Munich: a wave of mobilization against the extreme right

On February 8, 2025, Munich was the scene of a historic demonstration, bringing together around 250,000 people united in their resistance to the far right, a symbol of an evolving socio -political dynamic in Germany. Two weeks before the legislative elections, this monumental event on the Thérèse meadow demonstrates the rise of popular anger, fueled by a strong desire to defend democratic values. Practising slogans and a diversity of participants illustrate the determination of a company in the face of the threat of the alternative for Germany (AFD), whose electoral support continues to grow.

Despite the will of traditional parties to erect a “health cord” around AFD, the question of their identity and their ability to respond to the concerns of voters remains crucial. This mobilization, orchestrated by inclusive movements such as “grandmothers against the extreme right”, proves that resistance to hatred can federate beyond cleavages. As the elections approached, this dynamic could change the German political landscape, calling for collective citizen vigilance to preserve democracy and counter radicalization.

** The Congolese press in the face of ethical and security challenges: a call for responsibility **

In a context marked by increasing insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Higher Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC) imposes directives to journalists to avoid the apology of armed groups. Emblematic figures of Congolese journalism argue for a balance between freedom of expression and ethical responsibility, emphasizing their role as actors of peace. At the same time, religious institutions such as CENCO and ECC seek to establish political dialogues to establish a peace pact. A collaboration between media and religious leaders could create revealing and benevolent programs, thus transforming the information landscape into a catalyst for reconciliation. The interaction of these two domains offers a path to a committed journalism, where speech becomes a gathering and healing force in a DRC proven by the crisis.