Intellectuels congolais: Mission et devoir dans une nation en péril.

This article reflects on the role of intellectuals in the construction of democracy since the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) acceded to independence from Belgium on 30 June 1960. Several examples and portraits illustrate the mission and duty of intellectuals in a fragile nation. The author defines an intellectual and his socio-historical role in state reconstruction and nation-building. He invites Congolese intellectuals to engage into the public debate to share their political sociocultural and economic perspectives. Remaining silent, rather than engaging publicly, would amount to a resignation. The new Congo can only be built on a moral revolution based on the principles and values of work, love and integrity, and intellectuals should be showing the way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]