I was born and raised in South Africa, but my roots will always be in Congo. And right now, I am heartbroken. I am angry. I am frustrated. The war between Congo and Rwanda is not just another conflict—it is the direct result of years of corruption, mismanagement, and betrayal by the very people who were supposed to protect this country.
Every day, I see people posting " Our ❤️ to Congo" on their statuses, sharing photos, praying, and hoping. But is that enough? We are just watching, mourning, and waiting while the situation gets worse. We do not have the connections, the power, or the possibility to change things directly. And the ones who do—the government, the president, the so-called leaders—have done absolutely nothing.
Six years and four days. That is how long Félix Tshisekedi has been in power. Six years and 4 days. Yet when war came, the Congolese army was left with no proper training, no advanced weapons, and no real strategy. The government fled while soldiers stood on the battlefield, abandoned. What was he doing all this time? Where was the investment in the military? Where was the preparation?
Instead of ensuring national security, he focused on his image—playing soccer, holding babies, making public appearances. This is a Western strategy that does not work in Africa. Western presidents can afford to play PR games because their countries are stable. But in Congo, where people are dying, where cities are under attack, where our resources are being looted—who has time for soccer games and photo ops?
And let’s talk about those resources. Congo is the heart of the world’s economy. Our minerals—cobalt, coltan, diamonds, gold—are used in phones, laptops, cars, electricity grids. We should be the richest nation on earth. But instead, we are being exploited. And it is not just outsiders stealing from us. Our own leaders sell us out. They hoard wealth while the people suffer.
Yet, when I look at the people, I see so much intelligence. I have met Congolese students who arrive in South Africa barely speaking English, yet they excel in school—especially in math and science. They are always among the top students, always getting distinctions, always achieving. But after graduation? Where do they go? They forget Congo. They chase Western dreams, focusing on personal success instead of national progress.
And what about the culture? It feels like all we celebrate is dancing and comedy. We are a nation that only knows entertainment. Where is the nationalism? Where is the ambition for Congo? Yes, many women dream of weddings, which is not a bad thing—but where is the dream of rebuilding the country? Where is the urgency to change things?
Congo was supposed to be the one helping neighboring countries, leading Africa, setting the standard. Instead, we are fighting to survive while our leaders steal everything for themselves.
And the worst part? Many Africans do not take their presidents seriously. Why? Because these leaders have made themselves into a joke. They make empty promises, praise themselves with meaningless titles like Fachi Beton, and abandon the people when it truly matters.
I wish I could do something. Right now, I am just here, expressing my anger, my sadness, my frustration. But what I refuse to do is stay silent.🇨🇩❤️
