When integrity is reborn in the heart of Goma: The inspiring example of Manzi, Vice-Governor of the DRC

In a country where corruption has sadly become the norm, where the weight of bribes and favors crushes the hopes of an already wounded population, a simple yet moving story has emerged from Goma. It sheds light on a path of hope and dignity, embodied by a man who refuses to bow to this toxic practice: Manzi Willy, the respected vice-governor.

Recently, a delegation came to meet him and, as is customary in many circles in the DRC, wanted to “leave something behind” a gift, a discreet sum of money intended to buy favor or access. But faced with this gesture, Manzi was both surprised and indignant. Refusing to partake in this unhealthy game, he made a decision that speaks louder than a thousand words.

Rather than keeping the money, he chose to donate it entirely to a community cooperative, C.S. Simba, a local group committed to the reconstruction and development of Goma. Moreover, he instructed his team to find those generous donors and return the bank receipt to them, as if to say, “I am not for sale.”

This attitude, almost revolutionary in a context where corruption has deeply infected even the highest levels, reflects a sincere will to change. Manzi embodies a new generation of leaders who understand that their role is to serve the people, not the other way around.

In the liberated zones, where the AFC and M23 ensure security and protect citizens’ rights, this dynamic is also felt. No official, policeman, or soldier of these movements demands bribes in exchange for basic rights. It is a breath of hope, a clear message: human dignity and respect must become the norm again.

Manzi, as an accessible man, receives people every Tuesday and Thursday, without appointments or barriers. He embodies the essential closeness between rulers and the ruled a bridge between the pain of the past and the promise of a better future.

As the DRC struggles to rebuild, these acts of integrity invite everyone to restart the country on solid foundations. Manzi’s example is a light at the end of the tunnel, a call to surpass old patterns and build together a more just, more humane Congo.