Congo: Trapped youth, edition 2025

Congolese youth are at a crucial turning point, facing challenges of identity and consumption in a rapidly changing world. At the dawn of the 21st century, although this generation has immense potential, it is often perceived as trapped in a cycle of despair and distraction, notably through the consumption of alcohol, drugs and addiction to social networks. This phenomenon raises questions about the causes of this drift and the responsibility of young people themselves for their future. Young Congolese express aspirations for a better future, strongly linked to education and professional opportunities. However, the educational system is failing, with inadequate infrastructure and a lack of resources, reinforcing a feeling of hopelessness.At the same time, popular culture, influenced by social networks, is introducing models of success that are often superficial, encouraging a quest for celebrity at the expense of values of hard work and effort. This phenomenon is creating a tension between traditional values of solidarity and growing individualism, generating a crisis of identity among young people.