Title: Defections within the UNC: what future for Vital Kamerhe’s party before the elections?
Introduction :
The political party Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC), led by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Economy Vital Kamerhe, has experienced a series of defections in recent days. While general elections are scheduled for December 2023 in the DRC, many national deputies have turned their backs on this party. This wave of departures raises questions about the future of the UNC and its ability to maintain its political balance in this context.
MPs who break their trust in the party:
Among the deputies who recently left the UNC are Édouard Kyove, Amani Ngubiri, Grégoire Mirindi and Gustave Omba. In correspondence addressed to the national President of the party, they evoke reasons of personal convenience to justify their departure. These defections come on top of other similar cases, highlighting a wave of disengagement within the party of Vital Kamerhe.
UNC reactions to these defections:
In reaction to these departures, the national deputy and national spokesperson of the UNC, Me Alfred Maisha, justifies these defections by underlining the attraction of personalities rallied to Kamerhe for the legislative elections. He believes that those who have chosen to leave have been overtaken by others in terms of profile and have lost hope of occupying a privileged place on the electoral lists. According to him, despite these departures, the UNC retains its political balance and invites party executives to return to the party.
Prospects for the UNC:
The UNC affirms not to consider these defections as a loss, underlining its representativeness in all the electoral districts. Alfred Maisha believes that these departures are the result of people feeling defeated and recognizing that there are better people than them in their constituency. He likens it to substitutions in big football teams. Nevertheless, he calls on those who have resigned to return to the party and affirms that leaving the UNC to find something better elsewhere would be a great risk.
Conclusion :
The defections within the UNC raise questions about the political future of Vital Kamerhe’s party. As the elections approach, it is crucial for the UNC to maintain its balance and rally its disillusioned executives. The outcome of these departures remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: the UNC will face additional challenges in its quest for electoral success