Tension within the UDPS: activists express their dissatisfaction
On Thursday, July 13, 2023, strong tension erupted within the interfederation of the political party Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS / Tshisekedi). Ruling party activists were angry at the non-inclusion of their interfederal president, Gabriel Ilunga, on the list of potential candidates for the next legislative elections.
This dissatisfaction has led to acts of vandalism, with activists ransacking duty offices and disrupting traffic on Muhona Avenue. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with activists even throwing projectiles at each other.
The tension within the UDPS is not new, with two factions struggling to coexist. On one side, there is the UDPS wing led by Blandard Tshimbombo, and on the other, that led by Gabriel Ilunga. The dispute dates back to the latter’s appointment as head of the interfederation, which had already sparked controversy with Blandard Tshimbombo also claiming this position.
Faced with these divisions, the general secretary of the UDPS/Tshisekedi, Augustin Kabuya, went to Kananga, capital of the province of Kasai-Central, to try to calm things down and restore unity within the left. Despite his efforts, it seems that tensions persist and intensify.
This situation highlights the deep dissensions within the UDPS, which compromise the unity and cohesion of the party. However, stability and internal harmony are essential to achieve the political objectives set and to meet the expectations of activists and the population.
It is now essential for the leaders of the UDPS to find common ground and promote dialogue between the different factions. Resolving these internal tensions is essential to ensure the party’s credibility and strengthen its position as a major political force.
In conclusion, the tension observed within the UDPS/Tshisekedi interfederation highlights the internal divisions that plague the party. It is urgent for the leaders to find peaceful solutions and promote unity within the party in order to guarantee its political effectiveness and its ability to meet the expectations of its militants and the Congolese population