To the attention of the Tshisekedi administration:

Kinshasa’s “dead city” action on Wednesday, June 3rd, did not entirely bring the capital to a standstill. This is true. Even across the provinces, throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo, the opposition struggled to fully rally the Congolese population behind its initiative. Markets reopened, taxis continued their routes, and state operations proceeded.

However, one should not misinterpret the subtle signs: the hesitation observed in the streets, the partially lowered shop curtains, the hushed conversations… these conveyed the people’s sentiments without the need for slogans. It was a silent message, and historically, the silent messages from the Congolese people have always profoundly impacted the nation’s trajectory.

This is the same populace that, on the day the President of the Republic presented gifts to the Léopards for their participation in the World Cup, collectively voiced: “Where is our share?”

On that occasion, Kinshasa spoke for the entire RDC. This outcry was not born of envy for sports achievements, but from the deep frustration of a people who, despite still holding affection for their leader, are driven by hunger. A famished stomach has no ears. It reflects weariness with promises that shine brightly on television while young people count the days without employment.

Recall the promise: Six million jobs. This pledge ignited hope in every neighborhood, from Matete to Mont-Ngafula, from Bandal to Masina. Today, seven years later, these young citizens still watch opportunities pass them by. They are not seeking charity; they demand the portion that was promised to them.

History teaches us that a government maintains power when it genuinely addresses the concrete expectations of its people. Lumumba never betrayed the Congolese people; rather, the people were betrayed in the aftermath of his leadership. Mobutu endured by effectively silencing dissent. Yet, the RDC is no longer in an era where silence can be bought. Today’s Kinshasa residents hesitate; they no longer obey blindly. This hesitation serves as a significant political warning, an urgent call for awareness regarding their social circumstances.

And let the government also acknowledge this: The opposition did not achieve true success on that day. This was not due to a lack of public discontent, but rather to its own perceived lack of credibility. The people discerned the shadowy figures behind the opposition’s actions. Joseph Kabila, whose presence immediately evokes Paul Kagame, was felt to be orchestrating maneuvers discreetly. Congolese citizens vehemently reject such an alliance. They are hostile to any foreign hand attempting to speak on their behalf. The people choose their own battles, and they will not tolerate their anger being manipulated.

This message must be grasped in its fundamental essence. The population is not seeking chaos; instead, they desire governance that truly resonates with them. They demand swift improvements in critical areas: youth employment, social justice, state credibility, and the dismantling of social inequalities. Every oversight in governance becomes a weapon for the opposition to wield at the next opportunity. Do not provide them with further arguments.

At a time when constitutional reform is being prepared, the people expect a strong signal. Mr. President of the Republic, I urge you to appoint a different government. Not a traditional, conventional management government, but a government dedicated to combat. The battle for constitutional reform, yes, but more importantly, the battle to reward the people. Those who have tirelessly supported the Head of State since 2018 deserve more than mere promises. They deserve tangible results. May those whom the President has entrusted not bring dishonor upon him in the eyes of the people! For Congo does not beg; it is the true Boss, and it reminds us of this. And when Congo speaks, the palaces must listen.