Democracy and Governance

SFCG works towards improving information access and dialogue among Congolese citizens, media, civil society and their elected leaders. In the context of the DRC’s new democracy and young institutions, SFCG programming aims to:

• Raise awareness amongst citizens on principles, practices, and structures of their new democracy, including their rights and responsibilities within it; and
• Foster links between policy makers, civil society and the media on issues of civic participation, public policy, and governance

We use the following tools to address these objectives.

Arbre à Palabre
This 30-minute weekly roundtable radio program, aired in French, informs and educates the Congolese population on diverse current issues. The show features discussions among government officials, parliamentarians, analysts, and NGO representatives. These roundtable discussions air the studio guests' disparate points of view while encouraging the search for peaceful solutions. Topics featured in L'Arbre à Palabre include the Constitution, the presence of armed groups in DRC, impunity and reconciliation, and elections.

Mopila
An educational and entertaining short radio drama revolving around a taxi driver and a lively cast of characters. Each week the subject changes, and aims to clarify rumours and manipulation around current events in a way that is accessible to a mass audience. Mopila is produced in five languages: Kikongo, Kiswahili, Tshiluba, Lingala, and French.

Boyoka pe biso (Listen to us too!)
This is a 12 minute vox pop program in Lingala comprised of audio contributions from a network of regional correspondents, that provides opportunities for people to express their opinions on specific current events related to governance and peacebuilding. These short extracts are followed up with an interview with a key resource person who clarifies the issue under the spotlight for that week.

Elongo Tosalel’ango (Let’s make it happen together)
A montly program co-produced by a national civil society network (Dynamique de la Société Civile) with 40 partner radio stations in all current and future provinces. The program broadcasts ‘Town Hall meetings’ organized between elected officials and ordinary citizens on issues related to governance and accountability. There are then listening sessions organized by the civil society network to reach out and determine future subjects for programs.

Duel des Democrats
A weekly quiz show, recorded in secondary schools, with two teams battling it out to demonstrate their understanding of democracy and how it works. Using a dynamic quiz format, in French, this program aims to educate and inform Congolese youth on their new government institutions.

Mopila
Comic book in preparation to enable readers to understand how the new democracy functions, and how citizens can enact change in this new system.

Click here to view a sample from the Mopila comic book.

Outreach activities in universities
SFCG’s focuses on youth, particularly those at universities, as they are more likely to become politically active and emerge in the new generation of leaders. SFCG targets 24 universities, through a collaboration with the Great Lakes Inter-university and Youth Forum, in eight major cities around the DRC (Kinshasa, Bukavu, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Mbuji Mayi, Goma, Matadi, and Gbadolite). SFCG organizes events, including trainings and forums that strengthen participants’ non-violent advocacy skills, and fosters interaction with local government leaders. Since 2004, SFCG’s work has collaborated with this network of youth, enabling them to reinforce their capacities in rumor management, civic education, conflict transformation, facilitation, mediation and planning.

Training of journalists
SFCG trains journalists in Common Ground approaches to governance programs: These in-house trainings enable journalists to play a constructive role in informing listeners and facilitating dialogue around governance issues.

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