UBUNTU PHILOSOPHY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR D.R. CONGO: BONDING CITIZENS TOGETHER

ABSTRACT: This article explains the philosophy of ubuntu by grounding the discussion around the conceptitself (ubuntu). The significance of ubuntu for D.R. Congo is also explored. In actual fact, ubuntu lies at theheart of the way of life in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is the „soul force‟ that drives the different facets of societal lifein this part of the world. It is ubuntu that guides the interpersonal relationships in Sub-Saharan African societies.On this ground, this paper seeks to show how ubuntu is highly required for improving and strengthening thestate-citizen relationship in D.R. Congo. In its essence, ubuntu is a capacity in Sub-Sahara African culture thatexpresses reciprocity, dignity, compassion, harmony and humanity in the interests of building a community withjustice and mutual caring. Now, the consequence of failing to embrace it in a country like D.R. Congo has beenmanifested through violence and unending warfare, among many other challenges, in the country. For this, ourobjective in this paper is to place the reader in Congolese society and present Ubuntu as the philosophy that isappropriate for the improvement of the interpersonal relationships in this society