C'est le ton qui fait la panique

Last weekend, the city of Kinshasa was once again hit by deadly floods. Some forty people lost their lives, entire families are in mourning, and homes were destroyed. Emotions are running high. And with them, criticism is flying: against the state, against local authorities, against uncontrolled urbanization amidst corruption...

And as is often the case, after the shock, come words. Sometimes to console, but also to accuse. It is legitimate to demand answers and establish accountability after such tragedies. But then, how can we express our anger and indignation without resorting to insults, simplistic accusations, or violent rhetoric?

To discuss this, this magazine welcomes:

Hubert Masomeko, environmental law researcher, associate at the Center for Research on Democracy and Development in Africa (CREDDA). Edem Dadzie, journalist and executive director of the association Afrique Eco 2100, based in Lomé, Togo.