In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a nation grappling with decades of political turmoil and armed conflict, the upcoming population census is more than just a headcount. It's a pivotal moment that could shape the future of a country where millions have been left without official recognition. For individuals like Heritier Ramazani, being counted is not merely about contributing to a national statistic; it's about being seen, acknowledged, and officially recognized by the state. This is a profound shift in perspective, as the census aims to bridge the gap between the state and its citizens, offering a chance for inclusion and identity for those who have been historically marginalized.
The DRC's last census was conducted in 1984, a time when the country was still known as Zaire. Since then, the nation has undergone a tumultuous journey, marked by political upheaval, armed conflicts, and rapid population growth. The World Bank estimates the current population at around 112 million, with an annual growth rate of approximately 3.2%. However, the true impact of this census extends far beyond these numbers.
For development analysts, the census is a crucial tool for informed decision-making. Maneno Kakule Ndavugha, a development analyst, emphasizes the importance of accurate population data in determining the allocation of resources. "It makes no sense for the state to build a football stadium in an area where there are only older people," he notes. The census data will help officials understand the demographic distribution, living conditions, and service requirements of the population, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.
However, for many residents, the census is about more than just numbers. It's about identity and recognition. In Bunia, where years of violence have displaced communities, access to official documents has been a significant concern. National identity cards have been scarce for decades, and voter registration cards have often served as a makeshift form of identification. Gedeon Katembo, a 36-year-old father of three, hopes the census will lead to a stronger system for issuing identity documents. "It is essential to know how many Congolese people there are in the country and around the world," he says. "The census can also help to strengthen national unity."
The absence of widespread identity documents is deeply rooted in the DRC's history of political instability, weak administrative systems, and conflict. This has disrupted state services and left many without the basic recognition of their existence. The census, therefore, presents an opportunity to address this historical oversight, offering a chance for individuals like Ramazani to be officially recognized and to regain a sense of nationality that has been lost for over 40 years.
However, the census is not without its challenges. In the eastern DRC, where armed groups remain active, reaching every community will be a daunting task. Displacement and insecurity could prevent many people from being counted. Muyisa Hangi Christophe, an activist with Filimbi, a pro-democracy civic movement, warns that the state's authority is not effectively established across the entire national territory, making the census organization nearly impossible. "We find ourselves almost in a situation where it is impossible to organize the census," he says.
The census also comes at a politically sensitive time. Efforts to establish a national identification system began under former President Joseph Kabila, but the process stalled during the political crisis that followed the end of his constitutional mandate. With general elections expected in 2028, there are concerns that population figures could become politically contested, particularly over representation and governance. Ebuteli, a Kinshasa-based research institute, has warned that the census could become increasingly sensitive as the country debates constitutional changes and its political future.
Despite these challenges, the census holds immense potential for the DRC. It offers a chance to bridge the gap between the state and its citizens, to address historical injustices, and to build a more inclusive and representative nation. For individuals like Ramazani and Katembo, the census is not just about numbers; it's about hope, recognition, and the possibility of a brighter future. As the census preparations unfold, the nation holds its breath, hoping that this time, everyone will be counted, and no one will be left behind.
