David Van Reybrouck is a Belgian author and playwright, known for his contributions to literature and public discourse. He gained international recognition for his book, Congo: A History, which explores the complex history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His writing often combines historical research with personal narratives, making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience. In addition to his literary work, Van Reybrouck is an advocate for democracy and civic engagement. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting participatory democracy, including the concept of sortition, where citizens are randomly selected to participate in decision-making processes.