Category: Sociocultural

### Mbuji-Mayi and Mwene-Ditu: Congolese youth answers the call

On February 19, 2023, hundreds of young people from Mbuji-Mayi and Mwene-Ditu mobilized to enlist in the Congolese armed forces, under the aegis of the Minister of Defense, Guy Kabombo Muandiavita. This phenomenon echoes a youth faced with major socio-economic challenges, with an unemployment rate bordering on 70%. The enrollment, perceived as an opportunity for dignity and security, reveals a deep feeling of patriotism in these young people, who see military service as a chance to change their destiny.

However, this dynamic raises crucial ethical questions. Would the army become an escape from a lack of opportunities, and what type of values ​​will be instilled in these new recruits? While the DRC is at a turning point, it is vital that the government ensures a real process of training and supervision, transforming this juvenile energy into a development lever for a changing Congo.

** Istanbul renews its metro schedules for Ramadan: towards mobility adapted to users **

As Ramadan approaches, Istanbul is preparing for a necessary upheaval of its metro schedules, orchestrated by the National Authority for Tunnels. This sacred month, carrying transformations in the daily lives of the inhabitants, leads to an increase in travel to mosques and night markets. By lengthening hours until 2 a.m. on certain lines, the city responds to growing demand, while integrating feedback from users collected via social networks. This change is not just a logistical question: it highlights a commitment to more inclusive and thoughtful urban mobility, a model that could inspire other large metropolises during festive events. With increasing traffic forecasts and better interconnectivity between lines, Istanbul shows that it is possible to reconcile traditions and modern transport.

** A ambitious social reintegration: education as a key in the Democratic Republic of Congo **

The recent endowment of 450 Pupitors at the Higher Institute of Applied Techniques (ISTA) in the DRC by national service raises essential questions on social reintegration and education. By integrating former bandits, the “Kulunas”, in this initiative, the government seeks to transform figures often feared into positive actors of society. Although it responds to an educational crisis marked by an academic abandonment rate of 37%, this initiative must be the beginning of a deeper change. The DRC, with its 77%literacy rate, needs reforms that combine educational infrastructure, inclusion and support for young people, to build a better future. This project underlines the need for a holistic transformation where everyone has their place and can contribute to the development of the country.

** Souleymane Cissé: an unforgettable cinematographic journey **

African cinema mourns the loss of Souleymane Cissé, a visionary master whose influence goes beyond the borders of Mali. At 84, he left behind an invaluable heritage, marked by emblematic works like “Yeelen” and “Genesis”, which question the identity, spirituality and the contemporary realities of Africa. Cissé was able to pay tribute to the cultural wealth of the continent while paving the way for new generations of filmmakers.

His career, in parallel to other pioneers like Ousmane, has deeply redefined the African cinematographic landscape, with a production of 20 films per year in the 80s to almost 1,500 today. His commitment to the transmission of his knowledge and his desire to initiate young creators promise a future inspired by his inheritance.

The disappearance of Cissé is not only a loss, it is a call to celebrate and preserve African stories, to encourage new talents and to invest in a cinema that remains a engine of social change and a vector of cultural dialogue . As long as the cameras turn, Souleymane Cissé’s spirit will continue to light up the stories to tell.

** Material languages: Keys to diversity and pillars of inclusive education **

On the occasion of the 25th International Language Day, it is crucial to recognize the vital role of languages ​​in the preservation of cultural diversity and in the promotion of fair education. Since the UNESCO Declaration in 1999, this day reminds us that mother tongues are much more than communication tools; They are the guardians of a collective memory and ancestral knowledge.

Unfortunately, almost 40 % of the world’s population does not have access to education in its original language, a problem that amplifies inequalities. The mother tongue is however essential for learning, increasing academic performance by 30 % compared to teaching in the second language. In addition, on the economic level, the valuation of languages ​​contributes to sustainable development and fruitful trade.

This year’s slogan, “languages ​​count”, encourages everyone to act to preserve this linguistic wealth and stresses that each language is a key to an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future. By celebrating our mother tongues, we celebrate our humanity and we commit to building a fairer and diverse world.

** Pope Francis: symbols of resilience and hope in times of illness **

The recent hospitalization of Pope Francis, 88, reminds us of the fragility of spiritual leaders while highlighting their symbolic strength. While fighting bilateral pneumonia, François remains in contact with clerical figures in conflict areas, thus testifying to his commitment to peace. This personal fight becomes the catalyst for a reflection on the health of the elderly in our contemporary societies and recalls the importance of human dignity. The Catholic community, by its prayers and messages of support, illustrates a deep humanity and solidarity in these uncertain times. Beyond the medical issues, this situation raises essential questions about the perception of suffering and the end of life, bringing everyone to reflect on the very essence of our existence.

### Dance as a catalyst for change in the DRC: “Move to Change”

The Congolese artistic company Likit’Arts Kongo is launching a unique project, “Move to Change”, which uses dance as a tool for social transformation. Supported by the Initiative Construire Ensemble and the French Embassy, ​​this initiative aims to combine artistic creativity and societal issues, particularly on sensitive subjects such as gender inequalities in the DRC.

In a multidisciplinary approach, artists do not just perform, they tell stories that resonate with local realities. Events such as the Rencontre des danseurs festival in Kinshasa, hosting various creations, illustrate the importance of dance as a cultural and socio-political rallying point.

Beyond awareness-raising, “Move to Change” stimulates personal development in artists, offering them enriching training that redefines their art. By investing in the arts, the DRC could see the emergence of sustainable projects, conducive to a true cultural dialogue. This movement, far from being ephemeral, is part of a dynamic of hope for a conscious future, where each dance step contributes to social engagement and the construction of a strong collective narrative.

### Thaipusam in Malaysia: A Celebration of Faith and Unity

Each year, the Thaipusam festival transforms Malaysia into a spiritual epicentre welcoming hundreds of thousands of devotees. This rite of devotion, culminating in the ascent of the 272 steps of the Batu Caves temple, embodies an introspective journey for Hindu worshipers. Bodily practices, including ritual self-inflicted wounds, underscore a profound sacrifice, an echo of universal traditions of spiritual seeking.

Beyond the religious dimension, Thaipusam also plays a major economic role, attracting tourists from around the world and boosting Malaysian GDP. By uniting diverse communities around a common celebration, the event asserts itself as a symbol of harmony in a country with multicoloured roots.

Finally, in a changing world where technology is redefining spirituality, Thaipusam invites us to reflect on the enduring nature of rituals and their meaning. In essence, this festival is not just an event, but a collective quest for meaning, understanding and transcendence. A vibrant celebration of life that reminds us of the importance of our own sacrifices and our spiritual path.

** Goma in danger: an education under the threat of the conflict **

In the city of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, deserted classrooms reveal an alarming educational crisis. This February 10, out of 800 students enrolled in the Notre Dame d’Afrique school, only five presented themselves. And behind this massive absence hides a context of persistent violence, with parents hesitating to send their children to school due to security tensions exacerbated by recent clashes between the army and the M23 armed group. The situation highlights the importance of collective action, associating families, communities and NGOs, to restore access to education. In the absence of solutions, an entire generation risks being left behind, thus compromising the future of the region. Goma is not only witness to a crisis, she also becomes an urgent appeal to act to transform fear into hope and ensure a better future for children.

### African gastronomy in London: a booming culinary revolution

London, a real cultural crossroads, attends a rebirth of African cuisine which is gradually imposed on its gastronomic scene. Restaurants like Akoko, Michelin star, embody this rise in power, highlighting dishes richly anchored in history and tradition. Through an innovative approach, chef Aji Akokomi and other talented chefs strive to share the singularity of African gastronomy while making it accessible to a curious audience.

With a 30 % increase in the number of African restaurants in five years, the British capital testifies to a change in mentality and a desire to explore new flavors. Establishments like Chishuru demonstrate that even small addresses can transform culinary experience into an educational journey, highlighting unknown local ingredients such as Fonio.

This craze promises unprecedented culinary collaborations between African leaders and gastronomies around the world, making African cuisine a pillar of London culinary identity. By celebrating these flavors and promoting intercultural dialogue, London is preparing to become the meeting point of traditions and gastronomic innovations of the African continent.