Defections are increasing within the Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC), the political party led by Vital Kamerhe, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the general elections are scheduled for December 2023, several national deputies have chosen to leave the party.
Among these recent defections are MPs Gustave Omba, Édouard Kyove, Amani Ngubiri and Grégoire Mirindi. In correspondence addressed to the leadership of the party, these deputies expressed their personal reasons for leaving the UNC.
The reactions within the UNC are imbued with serenity. Party spokesman Me Alfred Maisha says the defections are the result of the recruitment of other political figures with the aim of bolstering the UNC’s chances in the upcoming elections. He states that those who chose to leave the party were overtaken by other candidates better placed on the electoral lists.
Me Alfred Maisha also underlines that despite these departures, the UNC remains represented in all the constituencies and maintains its balance. He urges party members to use common sense and return to UNC, saying he has never seen anyone prosper after leaving the party.
However, it is important to note that these defections raise questions about the future of the UNC and its ability to maintain its political position outside the party. Some political figures have managed to prosper outside of the UNC, which calls Me Alfred Maisha’s statement into question.
In conclusion, the defections within the UNC highlight the tensions and political fallout surrounding the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ability of UNC to sustain itself and thrive despite these departures remains a challenge, and only time will tell if the party will be able to meet this challenge successfully