A discussion between Prof. Abel Muyisa and Lucha activists

By Serge Kambale

This discussion, held on December 12, 2023, took place within the framework of the
Luchology reinforcement of the local Luchology cell of the Goma section, extended to other cells.
For Prof. Abel, the first step is to diagnose the Congolese problem in order to better deploy ourselves as social movements. This is what we mean when we talk about the need for citizen movements to reinvent themselves.
Congolese society is suffering from two main pathologies. The first is an identity crisis, and the second is a clumsy conception of power.

1. The identity crisis
The DRC is sick in terms of what makes a country a Nation. A Nation presupposes that we have ideals that unite us as a people, and that’s where we have a problem. We have an identity problem. Whether in politics or in social institutions such as religious denominations, or even in our universities, this problem plagues us. It’s hard to define what it means to be Congolese.
In fact, we hardly exist as a nation. We define ourselves more in terms of our small allegiances than in terms of a great whole that is the Nation. If we continue like this, even when we will start the economic development, it will be unevenly. The regions with the most natural resources will advance further, leaving other regions behind.
Similarly, it’s not easy to say what makes an African an African.
If citizen movements are to reinvent themselves, we need to think about this. We need to think about the levers that will enable us to identify ourselves through our membership of large groups.

2. The conception of power
Another problem facing our society is the way in which many Congolese conceive power.
What is power, and what purpose does it serve? Here, we’re talking about power as both position and influence. Power is seen by many as a means to enrich themselves, for an “instant gratification”. Public institutions have become a place where people come to grab certain advantages, rather than to serve the people.
Power should be a vehicle, not a destination. Leaders like Fidel Castro, Lula Da Sylva and Nelson Mandela Madiba have demonstrated this. They used power as a means of advancing national causes, giving a certain image to their societies, imprinting a well-defined dream on their nations. Sadly, very few people follow these examples.
And it’s not just about political power. For example, what’s the point of power in the family if it’s not only for enjoyment and privilege?
This misconception of power will be resolved by educating the next generation, both academically and for the masses. It’s this lack of education that means that, during election campaigns, they present us individuals rather than projects for society. This must change. Our society has a real need for education on political culture.
If citizens movements need to reinvent themselves, it’s also at this level: Popular education.
Movements should not make the same mistake as opposition political parties, which have remained in protest without developing a remedy or presenting an alternative. Protest releases negative energies, but development requires positive energies. We have to build our agenda around the solution. After sounding the alarm, we have to say what we propose. It’s not the easiest thing to do, because thinking is tiring, but it’s worth it. We have to give people the tools for change, and that means educating the masses.
In conclusion, Congolese social movements can play an important role in the advancement of our country. This requires a good diagnosis of the DRC’s problems. We need to understand that the country is facing an identity crisis, and that its population has a bad conception of power. Solving these two problems requires a dedicated program of political education for the masses.

The local cell of Luchology
Section of Goma.