Category: Sociocultural

** Irène Ziriyuka: the rising star of Congolese humor towards Montreux **

At only 18, Irène Ziriyuka embodies a new generation of Congolese humorists with an international talent. Selected for the first Montreux competition, which will take place in Cotonou, Benin, in April 2025, she made, by her incisive humor, the voice of a youth full of promises. Originally from South Kivu and a member of the Alpha Art group, Irene stands out for her ability to approach societal themes while entertaining.

His career testifies to the importance of humor as a vector of change in societies often marked by political tensions. With the support of digital platforms, it manages to reach an ever -largest audience, demonstrating that art can transcend barriers. Irène Ziriyuka does not only represent her country, but also inspires a generation wishing to bring her stone to the African cultural building. Let us follow her adventure, because she proves that even in the most difficult environments, creativity and hope can prosper.

** The threatening language: a silent scourge to fight **

In our interconnected world, threatening language has gained ground, infiltrating every aspect of our lives – family, professional and virtual. A study by the Pew Research Center reveals that around 41 % of American adults have been victims of online harassment, a phenomenon that worries worldwide, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo where experts highlight the socio-cultural roots of this cyberviolence. The consequences of this verbal violence are devastating, generating anxiety and trauma among the victims while threatening social cohesion. To reverse this alarming trend, it is crucial to raise awareness of the importance of respectful communication from an early age, to optimize algorithms on social networks and to promote constructive dialogues in our communities. By transforming our relationship to verbal exchanges, we can hope to build a company based on empathy and respect.

### “Adolescence”: a thriller that scrutinizes the soul of young people today

With more than 24 million views in less than a week, the British mini-series “adolescence” is an essential phenomenon on Netflix. Through the investigation into the murder of a teenager, she explores the themes of toxic masculinity and school harassment, offering a disturbing mirror of our society. By placing a pre -adolescent, Jamie, at the heart of the story, the series challenges our perception of young people and the violence they undergo.

“Adolescence” is not content to tell a crime; It highlights the suffering linked to gender stereotypes and the devastating impact of social networks on the mental health of adolescents. Using a children’s narration, the series reveals lost innocence, making the interior struggles of an often misunderstood generation resonate. This massive success is not just a simple entertainment; It is a call for action to create a safe and benevolent space for young people. Find out how “adolescence” transforms a thriller into a poignant reflection on the realities of modern youth.

### Fred Kabeya: A rising star of Congolese music engaged

On March 21, 2025, Kinshasa will attend a significant event with the launch of “Nzela”, Fred Kabeya’s first album. This Congolese singer and composer skillfully merges traditional and modern musical genres for weaving a rich and committed sound canvas. Beyond the melody, “Nzela”, which means “path” in Lingala, embodies deep reflections on the struggles of the Congolese people and the current socio-political challenges.

Kabeya, inspired by legends like Papa Wemba, uses his music as an instrument of resistance and collective conscience, addressing crucial questions such as territorial integrity and national unity in the face of regional tensions. His concert at the French Institute in Kinshasa will not only be a show, but an act of cultural gathering, aimed at stimulating dialogue and hope.

Through this artistic act, Fred Kabeya positions itself as the voice of a generation eager for change, confirming that music can transcend simple entertainment and become a powerful vector of social transformation. Musicans are invited to live an immersive and deeply emotional experience, a promise of a cultural renaissance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

## The heritage of the Land Rover: between adventure and humanity

The Land Rover Defender, much more than an all-terrain vehicle, embodies the cultural and historical wealth of Africa. Through the expedition recently led by Kingsley Holgate, this automotive icon turns out to be a symbol of resilience and solidarity. Each turn on winding roads tells not only the story of a country, but also weaves links between local communities and collective memory. Borrowing often forgotten roads, the Defender becomes a bridge between generations and a change agent, making accessible isolated regions, both economically and humanitarian. By rediscovering this legendary 4×4, we realize that it makes us travel over time, enriching our understanding of the challenges and beauties of the African continent.

** Matadi at war against hemp traffic: Entering security issues and social realities **

On March 14, 2023, Matadi, in Kongo-Central, highlighted the challenges posed by hemp traffic, while two individuals, including a member of the armed forces, were arrested with ten bags of this drug. This operation reveals the commitment of the police in the face of a much more complex problem: the involvement of certain police officers in this illicit activity. In the DRC, where 35 % of drug -related arrests involve security agents, the situation calls for a deep reflection on the economic and social roots of traffic.

The provincial Congolese National Police Commissioner (PNC) calls for the denunciation of trafficking networks, but this approach raises fears related to the security of citizens. Faced with this reality, it becomes crucial to promote complementary initiatives such as awareness, education and economic support. The Matadi affair is only a symptom of a deeper evil, which only a collective and coordinated commitment can appease, thus transforming the city and its environment into a space conducive to the development of its inhabitants.

### Olympe, Firmine Richard: When the theater reveals the struggles of the past and the present

In a world where the invisibility of Afro-descendant women and artists persists, the play “Olympus”, represented at the Hébertot studio in Paris, makes a long suffocated voice heard: that of Olympe de Gouges, pioneer of feminism. Interpreted with passion by Firmine Richard, this work transcends the simple historical tribute to question our time and the fights always resonant for equality and social justice. By placing on stage an emblematic figure of the past alongside a committed actress, “Olympus” becomes a powerful vector of reflection on contemporary struggles. Through this intergenerational dialogue, the play recalls that the battles for the rights of women and minorities are not only an integral part of our cultural heritage, but also a necessity for our future.

** “El-Ghawy”: a redemption odyssey in the heart of Ramadan **

At the edge of the sacred month, the “El-Ghawy” series is already a sensation on Egyptian screens, promising a captivating mixture of intrigue and socio-cultural reflection. With Ahmed Mekky in the main role, the work explores universal themes such as redemption and social justice, while integrating elements of popular culture. Written by Tariq Kashef and Mahmoud Zahran, and staged by Mando al-Adl, the series is distinguished by its starred distribution, including talents like Aicha Ben Ahmed and Amr Abdel-Gelil, who add emotional depth to the characters.

“El-Ghawy” is not content to be an entertainment: it encourages the public to reflect on contemporary issues, while registering in an increasingly competitive Egyptian audiovisual landscape. While the public is preparing to dive into this new adventure, the promise of an enriching viewing experience is taking shape, transforming each episode into an opportunity for dialogue and social communion.

** Ivory Coast: reinforced maternity leave for a more equitable future **

Côte d’Ivoire has just taken a crucial turn for the well-being of women at work by extending the maternity leave of civil servants from three to six months. This reform, far from being a simple administrative measure, is part of a broader context of transformation of the public service and aims to improve the mental health of workers, often overwhelmed by professional and family pressures. Studies indicate that longer maternity leave promote better recovery and a reinforced link between mother and child, while increasing business productivity.

In parallel, the increase in paternity leave to one month testifies to a desire to deconstruction of gender stereotypes, allowing a better distribution of parental responsibilities. However, challenges remain in the implementation of these measures, requiring awareness efforts and rigorous monitoring.

With this initiative, Côte d’Ivoire opens the way to a reflection on the integration of women’s rights in public policies, inspired by examples of countries like Sweden. Through this reform, the country could well initiate a gentle revolution towards a more inclusive and equitable work culture.

** Summary: The tumult in Kisangani: a turning point for education in Congo **

On March 15, 2025, the Institute of Building and Public Works (IBTP) in Kisangani became the scene of explosive tension after the kidnapping of Delphin Luka, its general manager A.I. The suspension of activities by the staff of the establishment revealed growing anger in the face of ambient insecurity and political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a 15 % increase in abductions in 2024, schools, often perceived as learning shelters, are no longer spared. Students, united in their claim for the release of Luka, use this crisis as a lever to denounce the dysfunctions of an educational system in decay. While violence pushes the strike and demonstrations on the campus, the young Congolese emerges as a force of mobilization, advocating a necessary and collective change. This tumult at IBTP could well serve as a catalyst for a deep redefinition of the role of educational institutions, inciting unity and action to build a better future.