Category: Sociocultural

### 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.

** Khedivial Cairo: the rebirth of a historic heart **

Beyond a simple urban rehabilitation, the Khedivial Cairo project is part of a desire to rediscover and reinvent the cultural and architectural identity of Cairo. By renovating the strategic spaces between Tahrir Square and Talaat Harb Square, the authorities aims to marry Glorious past and modernity, while developing inter-passages that will promote social and commercial life. Inspired by global successes like Madrid and Berlin, this project is not limited to infrastructure, but aspires to create a sustainable and welcoming environment. With a direct impact on the local economy and tourism, Khedivial Cairo could well become a model of urban Renaissance, proving that it is possible to combine tradition and innovation to offer a promising future to its inhabitants and visitors.

** Evolution of identity debates in France: what does it really mean to be French? **

The recent speech of Prime Minister François Bayrou on national identity, while France cried Catherine Laborde, has rekindled essential reflections on the belonging and challenges of immigration. By criticizing the obsession with legal debates around soil law, Bayrou invites deep introspection on what it means to be a member of a civil community. While more than 25 million French people come from immigrants, concerns around immigration reveal sociological complexity and an urgent need to redefine our collective identity. The proposed reforms, such as the change in soil law, illustrate the tension between integration and multiculturalism, but also the opportunity to build a future that celebrates plurality as a force. In the end, this reflection on national identity could well pave the way for a constructive debate, essential to meet contemporary challenges.

## Removing in Kenge: between mysteries and realities

The city of Kenge is plunged into anxiety following the kidnapping of Béni Ibanda, a man renowned for his alleged mystical powers. While two suspects have been arrested, Beni’s fate raises questions about beliefs and superstitions deeply rooted in Congolese culture. His alleged resurrection after an accident and the statements of Pastor Musasu Gilbert-Paul nourish a story where spirituality and curiosity mingle.

Behind this tragic act hides a more disturbing complexity. The sophisticated methods of the kidnappers, in particular the use of the victim’s phone, reveal an alarming phenomenon of abductions for ransom purposes, exacerbated by a precarious socio-economic situation. These events highlight an increasing mistrust of the authorities, exacerbated by rumors of involvement of local dignitaries.

Beyond the simple human tragedy, this case calls for a reflection on the relationship between faith, culture and security in the Congo. While Kenge finds himself at a decisive crossroads, questions raised on justice, institutional integrity and the protection of citizens can lead to a necessary questioning of contemporary socio -political structures. Pending responses, the voices of those calling for justice and transparency continue to resonate, hoping for a resolution to this enigmatic affair.

### Lutumba Simaro: Congolese Rumba Between Tradition and Modernity

Lutumba Simaro, an emblematic figure of Congolese music, marked more than 60 years of career with his lyrical art and his “magical” guitar. Although he bowed out in 2018, his legacy continues to resonate, influencing generations of contemporary artists such as Ferre Gola and Fally Ipupa. Through emblematic pieces such as “Faute ya marchand”, Lutumba was able to weave a link between nostalgia and innovation, revealing the importance of rumba on both an emotional and cultural level. A symbol of resilience in the face of political and economic challenges, his work remains a source of inspiration, a call to celebrate authenticity while looking to the future. In a musical landscape often dominated by commercial production, Lutumba’s philosophy reminds us of the magic of melodies that transcend time and touch the soul.

**Wamè: A Dive into African Collective Memory Through Cinema**

At the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, the film “Wamè” by Senegalese director Joseph Gaï Ramaka asserts itself as a poignant exploration of identity and historical memory. Immersed in the Léboue culture, the title “wamè” evokes dualities on life and destruction, placing this work in a profound dialogue between past and present. Ramaka uses a black and white aesthetic to illustrate these complex themes, making tangible the anguish and hope that inhabit humanity.

Evoking contemporary realities such as the migrant crisis, the film pushes us to reflect on the unlearned lessons of history. More than just a story, “Wamè” stands as a rallying cry to collective memory, calling for attentive listening to often leading voices and a change of perspective on marginalized narratives. Ramaka reminds us that art, and more specifically cinema, can be a driver of social transformation, inviting everyone to feel, understand and act for a more enlightened and respectful future.

**Echo of a Culture on Pause: Reflections on the Postponement of the Kinshasa Book Festival**

The decision to postpone the 11th edition of the Kinshasa Book Festival, originally scheduled for February, highlights the impact of security crises on the Congolese cultural scene. Beyond a simple setback, this literary event is a reflection of the challenges that literature and the arts must overcome to remain relevant in a country plagued by uncertainty and anxiety. As the DRC suffers armed conflicts in the east, the postponement of the Festival raises the crucial question of the place of culture in public debate and its role in social cohesion. By drawing inspiration from adaptable international models, such as those of online literary festivals, and by renewing their support for Congolese writers through initiatives such as the Makomi Prize, cultural actors could resuscitate a living and engaged literature. This period requires deep reflection on how to nourish the spirit and collective identity of the Congolese, so that, even in adversity, the light of literature continues to shine.

### Music as a Weapon: A Call to Commitment in the Time of the Congolese Conflict

At a time when the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis, music is unfolding as a revealer of struggles and injustices. Between the passionate mobilization of French rappers, witnesses of Congolese suffering, and the heavy silence of rumba icons, one observation is clear: the voice of artists is more necessary than ever. Historically, rap has been able to galvanize popular commitment, transforming personal pain into collective struggle. On the other hand, rumba, long a symbol of cultural identity, seems to hesitate in the face of the moral dilemmas raised by war.

Rumba artists, often feared and criticized for their inaction, must reflect on their historical role and the responsibilities that come with it. As voices emerge within the artistic community, such as the “Rumba et Solidaire” festival, an urgent call to action is being felt. Music, this powerful tool for social transformation, must not be limited to moments of entertainment. It is time to break the silence and reaffirm music as a mirror of the struggle for a more just society in the DRC.