New citizenship: towards the adoption of the "Citizen's Oath" by the Government

At the 17th meeting of the Council of Ministers, Raïssa Malu, Minister of State and Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, presented the Citizen’s Oath to the members of the government. This initiative, which aims to instill essential values such as love of country, respect for the common good, and the promotion of unity in diversity, was adopted by the Government’s Sociocultural Commission. This oath is designed as a short symbolic phrase to be recited regularly in order to become ingrained in citizens’ subconscious. The main objective of this initiative is to strengthen patriotism, considered fundamental to building a strong and united nation. Minister Raïssa Malu emphasized that the patriotic education of younger generations “is crucial for building a cohesive society.” The Minister of National Education and New Citizenship stressed that “every individual has a role to play in building a better future for the nation.” By integrating the citizen’s oath into the education system, the government hopes not only to foster a sense of belonging but also to encourage citizens to actively participate in public life. Reciting this symbolic phrase is envisioned as a daily act, similar to a prayer, that could transform citizens’ perception of and commitment to their country. By making it accessible and easy to memorize, the government hopes that every citizen will be able to identify with it and incorporate it into their daily lives. This program is part of a broader initiative for a new citizenship, which aims to engage all segments of the population, from young children in kindergarten to adults. It is important to emphasize that the citizen’s oath represents a new step in the government’s quest to strengthen national identity and foster the social cohesion essential to the country’s future. This project aligns with the commitment of the Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, who is dedicated to investing in human capital by promoting a culture of responsibility and solidarity. Célestin Zeula