Kinshasa, November 3rd, 2026 (CPA).- Suspicions surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in literary creation could undermine young authors who are not widely known by the public, a writer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has warned, pointing to a climate of suspicion within literary circles, the author told CPA on Tuesday.
“This rivalry enjoys an immeasurable privilege: a form of presumption of authorship. Because, quite literally, tomorrow the question will no longer be whether or not you have used artificial intelligence.
The question will be how far you have engaged with it,” said Tata N’longi Biatitudes, whose real name is Hervé-Michel Bia Buetusiwa.
According to him, writing remains a difficult undertaking, which could become even more challenging with the development of artificial intelligence.
“AI adds further pressure, with suspicion now hanging over every published text,” he added. He identified two categories of authors who could be affected by this situation.
“On the one hand, traditional authors are facing competition from those who secretly use AI. On the other hand, there are authors who, despite having written their works themselves, will have to prove that they did not resort to the machine,” he explained.
For Tata N’longi, this situation could create inequality among writers, as already established authors are less likely to face suspicion than young writers whose literary styles are still developing.
“Already established authors will not be questioned, unlike young writers whose styles are still taking shape,” he said, also pointing to the risk of discrimination against African and Haitian authors, as well as self-taught writers.
In response to this new situation, he suggested that proficiency in artificial intelligence should be regarded as a literary skill in its own right, distinct from authentic creative work.
He also urged writers to keep drafts of their works so that they can provide evidence of authorship. “The common thread linking the two approaches mentioned is transparency.
Technology, however innovative it may be, does not create entirely new questions; rather, it reformulates age-old concerns,” the writer concluded.
Tata N’longi Biatitudes, whose real name is Hervé-Michel Bia Buetusiwa, is a Congolese writer, poet, playwright, lawyer and publisher.
Passionate about writing since childhood, he pursued legal studies before also devoting himself to his literary vocation.
His pen name, “Tata N’longi”, was given to him by his university peers. It means “teacher”.
“Biatitudes” is a play on words derived from his surname. He has written several works, including “Mes j’aime », a collection of love poems published in 2017; Cœur (é) pelé, a poetry collection published in 2018; and Bateki Mboka, a play published in 2020. ACP/