The Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party in Kasai Oriental province is planning a peaceful demonstration to demand the resignation of Governor Mathias Kabeya Matshi. In a letter addressed to the mayor of the city of Mbuji-mayi, capital of the province, the members of the UDPS Tshisekedi explain that this demonstration is organized in order to protest against the mismanagement of public affairs by the governor.
The event, scheduled for Friday, June 23 at 9 a.m., will have as its starting point Mua Luse, the roundabout of the star to drop in the provincial governorate. Governor Mathias Kabeya, a senior member of the UDPS, is currently in conflict with his political party, which accuses him of “mismanagement” of the province.
The conflict between the UDPS Tshisekedi and the governor of the province of Kasai Oriental seems to be an example of a critical situation that is repeated in several provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Claims of mismanagement and corruption by some governors are on the rise.
Despite the implementation of certain reforms, Congolese citizens continue to resort to demonstrations to bring their demands. Movements such as CENCO and civil society are also calling for an urgent resolution of the security crisis in the east of the country as well as credible elections for democratic stability.
The creation of a social security system for parliamentarians, with a lifetime retirement pension, in the province of Equateur has recently caused controversy. Such political choices can heighten feelings of frustration and anger among Congolese citizens, who often face a lack of basic infrastructure and public services.
In short, the example of the province of Kasai Oriental reveals a situation that is repeated in several parts of the DRC, and which reflects the urgency for the Congolese authorities to meet the expectations of their population. Protest movements and constant demands from civil society and political parties show the need for a rapid and effective response from the government, in order to ensure sustainable social and economic security for the entire country