By Rigobert MUKENDI, inspired by Wa Bantu
The political narrative of the Democratic Republic of Congo has too frequently been defined by unchanging and tragic scenarios: every call for protest in Kinshasa has historically been met with tear gas, the crackle of live ammunition, and the specter of widespread looting. Yet, the recent “Ville morte” (dead city) operation, observed on June 3, 2026, has decisively broken this pattern. Beyond partisan divisions and unproductive rivalries, an undeniable truth emerges, deserving strong commendation: non-violence has triumphed, signaling a remarkable maturation of our nascent democracy.
No fatalities, no injuries, and not a single act of vandalism. This absence of bloodshed and fury is far from coincidental; it unequivocally reflects a significant dual evolution within the nation.
On one hand, it underscores the restraint and profound sense of responsibility demonstrated by the current administration. State institutions successfully navigated the most intricate challenge facing a rule-of-law state: upholding public order without suppressing fundamental freedoms. On the other hand, it reveals a Congolese populace that now steadfastly refuses to serve as a sacrificial fuel for political ambitions, judiciously weighing the expression of discontent against the critical necessity of daily economic survival.
The true highlight of this day was the compelling display of coexisting freedoms. Opposition figures like Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi – indeed, the only ones whose voices I personally heard broadcast – were able to freely issue their calls for a citizen boycott, their messages unhindered by censorship. Concurrently, the state, through a clear communiqué from Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service, Jean-Pierre Lihau, disseminated across all ministries, reaffirmed the imperative of continuous public service. What was evident on the ground? A vibrant, pluralistic democracy in active motion.
While some chose to calmly remain at home, others freely went about their daily activities. The ultimate symbol of this newfound tolerance was the normal operation of the Faden House hotel, an establishment notably associated with one of the aforementioned leading opposition figures. This demonstrates that Kinshasa has moved beyond petty retaliatory tactics or political targeting. Those who wished to express themselves through absence did so; those who sought to defy the “Ville morte” by working did so equally. Shop windows remained untouched, and the rights of every individual were respected.
I conclude that in a democracy, victory is not solely measured by the number of closed shutters or burned tires. It is equally gauged by a system’s capacity to accommodate disagreement without descending into chaos. By simultaneously guaranteeing universal security, the freedom to protest, and the right to work, the Democratic Republic of Congo has just proven that it is no longer a playground for political apprentices, but a nation that progresses through constructive debate and mutual respect.
Words may fade, as the saying goes, but these textual facts endure. For this occasion, without triumphalism but with legitimate pride, let us declare loudly and clearly: long live democracy!
