Category: Sociocultural

### Report of the concert “Solidarité Congo”: between historical tensions and hope

The cancellation of the “Solidarité Congo” concert, scheduled for April 7, 2025 in Paris, exceeds a simple logistics: it reveals the deep tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, exacerbated by the weight of historical memory. Chosen to allow the participation of Muslim artists during Ramadan, the date raises questions on freedom of cultural expression in the face of tragedies of the past.

The fears of the prefect of Paris concerning a potential disturbing public order testify to an institutional aversion to events loaded with emotion. The Congolese government, through Patrick Muyaya, also highlights the politicization of this event, stressing how tragedies can be manipulated for contemporary purposes. The concert aimed to unite voices for solidarity and awareness, but its postponement questions the role of culture in a disturbed political climate, often perceived as a battlefield rather than a space of reconciliation.

This postponement opens a crucial debate on how to maintain live culture and engaged in a world of conflicts. The future of cultural initiatives is based on the community’s ability to unite to make their voices heard, transcending the past while honoring memories. Beyond disappointment, this moment could be the catalyst for a new era of unity and hope.

** Fifty years of challenges and hope: the Kinshasa CNPP at the forefront of mental health in the DRC **

On March 24, 2023, the Kinshasa Neuro-Psychopathological Center (CNPP) celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, marking half a century of commitment to mental health in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With only 4% of the national budget devoted to health, the CNPP is faced with colossal financial challenges, while 12 million Congolese suffer from mental disorders, with a psychiatrist for a million inhabitants.

However, this anniversary is much more than a celebration. It represents an opportunity to raise mental health to the rank of national priority. Local initiatives such as free consultations and increased awareness highlight the importance of a community approach. Inspired by the successes of neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda, the CNPP aims to build an inclusive and sustainable mental health system.

With the call for reinforced collaboration between the government and social actors, this milestone could be the catalyst for a new era for mental health in the DRC, where each citizen could finally access worthy and appropriate care.

** Creolity: a cultural rampart with global standardization **

Martinique, often seen as a paradise island, is a real cultural crucible resistant to homogenizing forces of globalization. Coming from a rich mixing, Creolity, thought by figures like Aimé Césaire and Édouard Glissant, is not limited to the coexistence of cultures but is asserted as a dynamic of acceptance and celebration of diversity. Martinican carnival, a symbol of emancipation, embodies this plurality, just like Creole, once stigmatized, which today has a new skin of identity. While the world is faced with the threat of cultural uniformity, Creolity offers lessons in resilience and collective intelligence. It is an invitation to celebrate diversity and support active recognition of multiple identities, essential for an inclusive future.

### Summary: Anti -Semitism in France: a call for collective action

France is faced with a disturbing resurgence of anti -Semitism, as evidenced by the recent aggression of a rabbi in Orleans. The figures speak for themselves: 1,570 anti-Semitic acts were identified in 2024, creating a climate of fear within the Jewish communities. The security measures taken by the government, although necessary, raise questions as to their long -term effectiveness in the face of increasing socio -political tension. Anti -Semitism finds its roots in complex dynamics, exacerbated by political extremism and normalization of hate speech. Faced with this situation, solidarity marches and educational initiatives must be transformed into a broader social movement, involving all actors in society. The fight against anti -Semitism cannot be limited to security; It must be part of a collective commitment for tolerance and mutual respect. Together, France can find the way to an inclusive dialogue, where each citizen deserves to live in peace and dignity.

### The Kelly Smith affair: a tragedy that questions our society

Kelly Smith’s trial, accused of having tried to sell her daughter Joslin, highlights the often invisible human tragedies behind statistics. Rooted in poverty and drug addiction, this case resonates as an appeal to action in the face of social distress. The figures are striking: 15% increase in cases of human traffic during economic crises and almost 30% of the population in disadvantaged neighborhoods being affected by addiction.

Beyond the judicial issues, this case raises crucial questions about the support that our society gives to vulnerable families. She calls into question our approach to witnesses during trials and questions cultural beliefs that shape behavior. The story of Kelly Smith is not just a news item, but a wider reflection of crises that we can no longer ignore. It is time to hear his cry of distress and act for a significant change.

** Kinshasa: Koma Djoko, the talent incubator in the service of street children **

In Kinshasa, where more than 30,000 children live in the street, Koma Djoko emerges as a headlight of hope. Founded by the entrepreneur Ferrari Manzila, this incubator uses football as a powerful social transformation lever. By offering a structured framework that combines sports training and theoretical education, Koma Djoko is responsible for getting these young people out of the spiral of poverty and delinquency.

The project is not limited to the practice of sport, it also aims to prepare young people for various careers in the field of football. With the support of government and international initiatives, Koma Djoko aspires to build a modern training center, essential to attract talent. By attacking complex socio-economic challenges, this initiative demonstrates that, despite adversity, it is possible to transform dreams into tangible realities.

Together, let’s support Koma Djoko in his fight to offer these children a chance to reinvent their future, because each gesture counts in the quest for a better future.

** Ivorian happiness: an exploration beyond appearances **

Côte d’Ivoire, in the spotlight in the last report of Oxford on world happiness, reveals a collective well-being which goes far beyond the simple economic measures. In the effervescence of Abidjan’s markets, the Ivorians bear witness to happiness based on community values, where solidarity and human ties are at the heart of their daily lives. Spirituality also plays a major role, uniting Ivorians through their various beliefs, strengthening the feeling of belonging.

Sport, including football, becomes a vector of national unity, celebrating moments of shared joy that transcend social divisions. As an international conference in Bouaké on well-being, it is crucial to rethink the traditional definitions of happiness to integrate cultural and intergenerational dimensions.

Thus, Côte d’Ivoire invites us to expand our understanding of happiness, redefining it as a mosaic enriched by solidarity, community commitment and spirituality. Such an approach could establish a new model of well-being inspiring for other nations.

** The emergence of female leadership in the DRC: towards a new vision **

On March 22, Bel Campus technological university in Kinshasa brought together determined voices to build female leadership in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Organized by Mia Identity and led by Belinda Dongo, this event encouraged an intergenerational dialogue on the place of women in a country where patriarchy and conflicts persist.

The speakers, like Lolo Mindondo of the Queen League, stressed the importance of meritocracy and female models to prepare young women to claim their legitimacy in governance. The need for robust mentoring programs and collective responsibility has been accentuated, emphasizing the societal duty to support women.

By integrating the Nzango tradition, a game that strengthens female solidarity, this event has also explored how culture can bring together women of different backgrounds. An next essential step will be to give the floor to women victims of violence linked to conflicts, in order to offer them visibility in the quest for reconciliation.

In short, this event marks the beginning of a promising dynamic to redefine gender roles in the DRC, but it calls for a collective commitment to materialize an inclusive and sustainable future, where female contributions are valued and recognized.

** 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.