the citizen's blog
The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently reignited the debate over the conditions of his accession to power in the 2018 presidential election. This decision appears to be superfluous and distracts attention from the more pressing problems facing the country. It would be better to focus on the future of the country and work on concrete solutions rather than dwelling on an already closed debate.
The exaggerated remuneration of public officials is the subject of heated controversy. Some personalities have granted themselves extravagant income, which has sparked public outrage. The head of the General Inspectorate of Finance has decided to take measures to put an end to these practices. Remuneration far exceeds established standards, with salaries ten times those of directors. The General Inspectorate of Finance has decided to block these benefits and submit them to the Prime Minister for approval. This approach aims to fight against excesses and abuses by public officials. Some even lobbied for more credits. This decision is a step in the right direction to clean up practices and guarantee responsible use of public funds. It is essential to ensure that excessive remuneration is avoided and that public companies are managed transparently. Transparency and accountability are essential for good governance of public companies.
The commemorative week in honor of Fernando Botero, famous Colombian painter and sculptor, brought thousands of Colombians to Bogota to celebrate the artist’s life and artistic legacy. The moving ceremonies allowed compatriots to bid farewell to Botero, while his daughter expressed her gratitude for the expressions of affection. Botero was hailed as a “universal Colombian” who captivated the world with his artwork and “stopped the world” with his paintbrush. His artistic legacy is immense, with works sold at auction for record sums and generous donations to museums. His art transcends borders and his monumental sculptures are exhibited in many cities around the world. The commemorative week is a testimony to Botero’s lasting impact on the art world and his essential place in the history of contemporary art.
During his exclusive interview with France 24 and RFI during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Senegalese President Macky Sall addressed several current issues. He highlighted the possibility of military intervention in Niger following the coup, while favoring a diplomatic solution. Regarding his candidacy for a third term, he demonstrated a “code of honor” by refusing to run again. He also avoided commenting on the imprisonment of opponent Ousmane Sonko, but justified the dissolution of his party due to his calls for violence. Finally, Macky Sall expressed his availability to assume international responsibilities, while emphasizing that it was not his priority. This interview highlights his political vision, his attachment to stability and democracy, as well as his openness to an international role.
Summary :
The case of journalist Ariane Lavrilleux of Disclose has highlighted attacks on press freedom. Following an investigation into a French intelligence program in Egypt, the journalist was placed in police custody for 40 hours and a former soldier was indicted for violating national defense secrecy. These actions aroused the indignation of many defenders of freedom of information. Ariane Lavrilleux denounces the threat that this situation represents for journalism and underlines the importance of investigative journalism in the fight against the silence surrounding arms sales to dictatorships. This case highlights the need to protect journalistic sources and guarantee freedom of information to preserve democracy.
The Electoral Commission in the Democratic Republic of Congo is considering using semi-electronic voting machines in the December 2023 elections. The move aims to strengthen the credibility of the electoral process by combining electronic voting with manual verification of results. These new machines will also improve process efficiency by increasing the number of machines available and reducing queues. However, CENI faces financial constraints and had to take out loans to finance the acquisition of these machines. It is therefore essential to mobilize the necessary resources to ensure the smooth running of the elections and guarantee transparency and security measures. The credibility of the electoral process in the DRC is crucial for the consolidation of the country’s democracy.
Floods in Libya have displaced more than 43,000 people and caused widespread damage, particularly in the Derna region. Searches are underway to find missing people, and the needs of displaced people are numerous. Unfortunately, these floods highlight the lack of investment and maintenance of the country’s vital infrastructure. It is crucial to take measures to prevent such disasters in the future and to put in place sustainable solutions to deal with the effects of climate change. The situation is critical and urgent humanitarian aid is needed for the affected populations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington to meet with Joe Biden and gain US support in the confrontation with Russia. Biden promised military aid, but some equipment requested by kyiv was not included. Zelensky then traveled to Canada to meet with Justin Trudeau, who also expressed support for Ukraine. Zelensky’s visit aims to strengthen alliances and secure financial and military support to confront Russian aggression. The question of aid to Ukraine is being discussed in the American Congress, where some elected officials are opposed to a new aid package. The situation in Ukraine remains tense and it is essential that countries stand with Ukraine to address this crisis.
In the province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the armed forces managed to neutralize four CODECO militiamen during simultaneous attacks. Despite injuries to the loyalist forces, they were able to control the situation and continue their operations. Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, spokesperson for the DRC armed forces in Ituri, insisted on the determination of the armed forces to fight against armed groups and protect the civilian population. He also called on armed groups to respect their commitments for peace and stability in Ituri province. The population is encouraged to support the armed forces in their fight against insecurity and to reject all forms of violence and crime.
Talks between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists regarding the reintegration of Nagorno-Karabakh have proven constructive. Although the situation remains tense on the ground, the discussions offer hope for a peaceful resolution to this long and complex conflict. Thousands of people have been evacuated from the region, raising concerns about a possible mass departure of the local population. Russia has called for guaranteeing the rights and security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, and deployed peacekeepers to maintain calm. However, many challenges remain to be overcome before reaching a lasting solution acceptable to all parties involved.