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 grown up without official recognition. For individuals like Heritier Ramazani, a 28-year-old resident of Bunia, this census holds the promise of a new beginning. Ramazani, like many others, has never been counted before, lacking the official documents that confirm his Congolese citizenship. This is not merely a personal issue; it's a reflection of a broader challenge facing the DRC, where millions have been left without the basic recognition of identity on paper.
The DRC's last census was conducted in 1984, a time when the country was known as Zaire. Since then, the nation has been through a tumultuous period, marked by political upheaval, armed conflict, and rapid population growth. The World Bank estimates the population at around 112 million, with an annual growth rate of approximately 3.2%. The upcoming census, therefore, is not just about numbers; it's about providing the government with reliable data to plan public services, and for many residents, it's about being officially recorded by the state.
In Bunia, where violence has displaced communities across Ituri province, access to official documents remains a significant concern. Voter registration cards, one of the few widely accepted forms of identification, have long been the norm. Gedeon Katembo, a 36-year-old father of three, hopes the census will help create a stronger system for issuing identity documents. He believes that knowing the exact number of Congolese people in the country and around the world is essential, and that the census can also help strengthen national unity.
However, the absence of widespread identity documents in the DRC is rooted in decades of political instability, weak administrative systems, and conflict that has disrupted state services across much of the country. The task of counting the population is immense, with the DRC covering over 2.3 million square kilometers and many communities remaining difficult to reach due to poor roads, limited infrastructure, and insecurity. The census will begin with a digital mapping exercise, using tablets and smartphones to identify inhabited areas before household data collection starts.
Despite the challenges, the census is also politically sensitive. 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, some opposition figures and civil society groups fear population figures could become politically contested, particularly over representation and governance. The government, however, rejects claims that the census has political motives, stating that it is a routine state exercise designed to improve national planning.
For development analysts, the value of the census lies in helping authorities make decisions based on accurate population data rather than estimates. Maneno Kakule Ndavugha, a development analyst, believes that the figures could help determine where schools, hospitals, roads, water systems, and electricity projects are most needed. Reliable census data could help officials understand where people live, their living conditions, and what services are required.
However, for residents like Ramazani and Katembo, the census is not just about numbers. It's about finally appearing in official records and obtaining documents that many Congolese have never had. For Katembo, official identity documents represent a form of recognition that many Congolese feel they have long lacked. Through these cards, they will regain the nationality they lost over 40 years ago.
In conclusion, the upcoming census in the DRC is more than just a headcount. It's a moment of potential transformation, a chance for the state to officially recognize its citizens and for individuals like Ramazani and Katembo to finally have their place in the nation's records. It's a step towards a more inclusive and equitable future for a country that has long been defined by its struggles.
