Reasons for my involvement in politics
Reasons for my involvement in politics
1. Politics
2. My involvement
3. Why now?
4. Why in in the political party “Ensemble pour la République”?
5. A word on my Christian commitment
6. Conclusion
1. Politics
If politics refers to what relates to the way a city or state is organized and also to the exercise of power in an organized society; then one could argue that we have more politicians than we think, or at least that all those who desire, dream of doing something to improve the way the city / state is organized are potential politicians.
In the course of my life, I have encountered this desire for an organized city in almost all the people I talk to, of course with varying levels of passion, knowledge of the state and involvement. If this desire exists, why aren't we all politicians?
In answering this question on the hesitation to get involved in politics for the majority of people, there are three (3) main reasons in my opinion:
1st reason - The negative connotation of politics:
Politics does not have a good reputation, not at all! And for good reason in most cases. The organization of an ideal city as advocated by Plato is far from being our daily experience. Knowing that the ideal organization of the city is not mainly related to physical order but more or rather to the well-being of the members of the city, it is sad to see that the people in charge of this organization, who are most of the times politicians (or political leaders), have abandoned other members of society to their own fate, either because of incompetence, greed or even sheer wickedness.
Politics has ended up being in the eyes of many a cabal where wolves eat each other, and end up eating the lambs who just want to graze peacefully. This creates our tendency to send the toughest, the most insensitive, the devious or even the greediest among us into politics and by extension into other public services.
I claim here that while the foregoing analysis is true in many cases, there are also countless examples in human history where politics have dramatically improved people's lives. Politics, like any other tool invented by humankind, is therefore neutral and therefore the people who are involved in it have the power, choice and the responsibility to use it for the good of humanity or not. Hence the need for greater accountability from the leaders.
2nd reason - Disgust with politics:
Implied directly from the first reason, this disgust with politics arises from our personal discouragement over all that relates to political life. For some, politics is even something devilish and is therefore incompatible with good morals. This disgust does not even see politics as "a necessary evil" but more like the evil itself, in flesh and bones.
It is difficult to convince otherwise, the person who has been hurt in their inner person, in their soul. The only solution I see is doing politics differently where actions speak louder than words.
3rd reason - The fear of being submerged or crushed by the system:
Another reason that would arise from the combination of the first two reasons is the fear of being submerged or crushed by the system. This is not just a fear; it is kind of obvious! And there are numerous examples in support of this. People always wonder what exactly happens when people get into power? The most vocal opponents who have solutions to everything, sometimes become the worst leaders, religious leaders and even civil society leaders have offered us sad examples. Tempting us to almost agree with those who find a diabolical explanation for this phenomenon of people’s flipping behaviors.
What should we do then? Should we choose between a clear conscience and politics? Is this opposition between these options even justified? To be honest, this third reason is my greatest fear and the very reason for my hesitation for several years.
Can the political organization of the state be "saved"? Can we trust the state for our survival and that of our future generations? Is political involvement the best way to get people out of poverty?
What if the answer was YES?
2. My commitment/involvement:
I played football when I was young, I was really not good to be selected among the top eleven (especially in the school team). So I was therefore a substitute on the sidelines. If you don't know, it's very comfortable watching the game sitting on the substitute bench, you are able to see all the mistakes, the mishaps, you are even more insightful than the coach. But towards the end of the game the teacher-coach often gave us as substitutes the opportunity to play for a few minutes. I can assure you that in the face of the harsh reality of being in the field, our optimism was severely tested. The experience of being in the field gives a new appreciation, or even respect, for those who are trying to do something.
This is not to justify all the players but to say that true wisdom and the ability to change things must be confronted with the realities on the ground. If not, we can be very smart in our corner with a sense of complacency or even superiority towards those who are on the ground.
Like a substitute player, I have been observing closely the politics of my country DRC for years (even too closely), and at the regional and international level. I see what I think might be solutions to the issues and I say to myself: why are the leaders not seeing them?
It seemed necessary to me to confront my ideas of change, of an organized city to the realities on the ground and perhaps with that, to offer my contribution or learn something. Nothing more nothing less.
Three main motivations lead to my decision:
1. Building a more beautiful country than before - our national anthem immortalizes these words which I have been singing for many years. It is time, in my opinion, to offer my contribution to this effort.
2. Experiment with what visionary leadership can accomplish in Africa as was exemplified in Japan and South Korea after WWII.
3. Learn and grow as a leader
In practice, these three motivations require concrete actions which will be discussed in other publications.
3. Why now?
The worst thing that can happen to you is to miss the boat of evolution. With each passing year the gap between nations is widening more and more. In the DRC, we have wasted so much time that we need everyone's effort and contribution to even hope to catch up with others. Africa in general and the DRC in particular can no longer afford to continue wasting time.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 by all nations must be achieved by 2030, that is in 9 years counting from the year 2021. And I can assure you that the DRC is far, very far from achieve them.
Agenda 2063 - The Africa We Want, shows a vision of a prosperous Africa by 2063, and I find that the DRC is not on this trajectory while other countries in the region are making considerable efforts.
While developed nations are rushing and investing in conquering the universe, in DRC our own land has not yet been fully conquered. While they are building self-driving electric cars elsewhere, we are not even able to reproduce a simple calculator. As the possibility of having mineral deposits on the moon and on planet Mars becomes clearer and clearer, we are not even able properly transform and add value to the resources that are right before our eyes.
Whose fault is it? The answer is long and may not fit here.
How can we look at our children in the eyes 25 years from now and ask them to continue working on the issues our generation could not resolve? War, famine, lack of education, lack of jobs, almost non-existent infrastructure etc. In each developed country, it is possible to trace with some certainty the generation that placed the country on the right trajectory. I want to be among those who will put the DRC on this trajectory.
So why now, because there is never a better time to commit/get involved. The best time is simply the time of decision.
4. Why in in the political party “Ensemble pour la République”?
The DRC has chosen to be a democratic nation governed by law, the constitution being the fundamental law. With that, the rules of the game for organizing our city / state have already been adopted by the majority of our society with the hope that these laws will ensure our collective happiness.
Acting alone! It is difficult, if not impossible. But acting together is the best way to succeed.
In the 2019 elections, the DRC already had 599 political parties and 77 political groups/platforms. We can say whatever we want about these parties but it clear that in the DRC there is no lack of choice options.
So, why “Ensemble”? If it can be agreed that a political party is a group of people with common political ideas united in association to influence the governance of the country, whether as an opposition or as a government, then it is necessary to see which party is closest to your ideas. And I find that Ensemble, despite being new, gives me a platform in which I can work and try to bring about change.
The 4 pillars of Change for Ensemble
Ensemble pour la République program aims to sustainably and positively transform the DRC. It is the fruit of multiple experiences of its members and of a long collective work.
1 - Strengthen the State, democracy and peace
2 - Valuing human capital
3 - Relaunch growth, diversify the economy and create jobs
4 - Fight against climate change
A word about Moise Katumbi: I know that every human is fallible and also that no one is indispensable. I also know that leadership, professionalism, pragmatism, concrete actions and rigor can make a big difference. From afar, I found these values in Moise Katumbi and Ensemble should make the effort to embody these values.
5. A word on my Christian commitment:
Picking up on the reflection in point 1 on politics, I would like to say that we have very good examples of people who have exercised their political responsibilities while remaining faithful to their moral commitment. So on this point, mentors are many.
I would still like to say that it is because of my Christian commitment that I have decided to get involved in politics and not despite my commitment, and the difference is significant. For me this is a continuation of my vision of impacting the world by helping and challenging people to be the best people they can be for the good of humanity.
A question for reflection on which I will not voice my opinion: If Jesus came back to earth today, what would he do for a living? Would he start a church? Or would he do something else?
6. Conclusion:
Adding my contribution to the effort, that's all I'm looking for. It will be difficult for me to find words to conclude this reflection on the reasons for my involvement in politics. So I decided to borrow the words of Aristotle and Nelson Mandela:
“The end of politics is not knowledge but action. "- Aristotle
“It's easy to break everything and destroy, the heroes are the ones who make peace and who build. " Nelson Mandela
“I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but overcoming it. The courageous man is not the one who does not feel fear but the one who controls this fear”- Nelson Mandela, A long road to freedom (1996) - Nelson Mandela
“The ideals we hold in our hearts, our cherished dreams and fervent hopes, may not come true in our lifetime. But that is not the question. Knowing that during your life you have done your duty, that you have lived up to the expectations of your comrades is in itself a gratifying experience and a superb achievement. " - Nelson Mandela
Your support, advice and constructive criticism are and will always be welcome.
Thank you so much.
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