French-speaking African countries often disrupt internet access during elections and political crises, impacting democracy and economic development. The Democratic Republic of Congo, facing general elections on 20 December, has a history of internet shutdowns, raising concerns among citizens and organizations. Internet shutdowns violate international law and carry significant economic costs, with DR Congo's 2018 shutdown resulting in a $61.4 million loss. Initiatives like the DRC's Digital Code, Netblocks, and the #KeepItOn coalition are combating these shutdowns. The media, journalists, and activists play a vital role in informing the public and advocating for digital rights.

The article discusses the rise of slam poetry in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Madagascar as a form of cultural expression and political activism. In Goma, DRC, the Goma Slam Session collective, founded by Ben Kamuntu and friends in 2017, provides a platform for artists to assert their rights and challenge societal norms. The collective holds weekly sessions and monthly public events, addressing issues like gender equality, social justice, and human dignity. The article also highlights the Slam at School programme, which educates students on poetry and various social issues, supported by the Italian NGO VIS. In Burundi, the Jewe Slam collective uses slam to reflect on the daily lives of Burundians, while in Madagascar, slam artist Caylah uses her work to empower women and address social issues. The article also touches on the political engagement of slammers, including Kamuntu's involvement with the Lucha movement and his slam piece 'Bosembo', which calls for justice for crimes in the DRC.