18/10/2026
🇨🇩 QUESTION ABOUT THE DRC: WHAT IS OUR GREATEST ILL? PRIDE!
Pride is the desire to serve oneself at all costs. Humility, on the other hand, means seeking ways to serve others and, if necessary, to sacrifice oneself for their sake.
Hello everyone,
This message is addressed to the person who was wondering why the DRC is struggling to prosper despite the immense abundance of its natural resources.
According to certain estimates, Congo’s mineral wealth is valued at approximately $24 trillion.
Source: https://friendsofthecongo.org/congos-minerals/
If we add our wildlife, forests, water resources, arable land, and other natural resources, we begin to understand just how wealthy our country is.
By way of illustration, if the $24 trillion represented wealth that could be distributed directly among 100 million Congolese people, it would amount to $240,000 per person. Even a small portion of this wealth, if properly managed, could transform our country.
So, why is there so much suffering amid such abundance?
Jacques Vernaux said: “If I know, but do not speak, I am responsible.”
In Congo, competition is everywhere: among tribes, churches, trade unions, in politics, and even in the way people dress. Sometimes, we even compete in stealing!
1. Pride: The Evil That Divides Us
The saying that too often sums up our reality is: “Every man for himself, and God for us all.”
Yesterday, it was their turn; today, it is ours. This is a mindset that contributes to keeping the DRC trapped in its difficulties.
Every day, many people seek to glorify themselves, outdo others, accumulate more wealth, imitate someone else, or gain greater admiration. We constantly compare ourselves with one another.
Wherever you go, you will hear nicknames and expressions of superiority, sometimes even involving references to God, such as: “Aleki Bango,” “Kaka Yo,” “Ye Moko,” “Azali te,” and “Oleki Bango”…
These expressions are not necessarily bad in themselves. However, when they become tools for belittling others, fuelling jealousy, or glorifying an individual, they reveal a deeper problem: the constant pursuit of personal glory.
We want to stand above others instead of seeking to lift them up.
2. Humility: The Path to Change
Humility means recognising the value of others, treating them with respect, and seeking their well-being rather than always trying to put ourselves first.
Congolese people, let us serve our neighbours, and we will be amazed by what the future holds for us!
Kind regards,
Evariste Umba