The electoral campaign in the electoral district of Kenge-Territoire promises to be eventful and full of challenges for the candidates Peti-Peti Jean-Marie, Matadiwamba Kamba Mutu, Munday Mulopo and the others, due to the emergence of the young Émile Yimbu in the race.
In a context where public opinion wishes to rejuvenate the political class in the Kwango region, these candidates face a serious challenge in the face of Émile Yimbu, an influential journalist from Kenge who has decided to enter politics.
The candidates Matadiwamba and Peti-Peti, respectively national deputy and provincial governor, must face the expectations of the public and present a report of their respective mandates. Unfortunately, their political career is marred by criticism and accusations.
Matadiwamba, who has held several ministerial posts since the Second Republic and has served as a national deputy for decades, is accused of having done nothing to improve the lives of the population or to bring them to account. He is particularly criticized for his involvement in succession disputes within the Pelende-Nord chiefdom. In addition, he is accused of having done nothing to set up a bar of lawyers in his province, despite his position as former national president. The local population promises to inflict a penalty vote on him and push him into political retirement.
As for Peti-Peti Tamata Jean-Marie, current provincial governor, he is increasingly rejected by his natural base of the Unified Lumumbist Party (PALU) in the Koloksoso sector. He is criticized for his incompetence at the head of Kwango province, where he has achieved nothing despite the financial resources at his disposal. On the contrary, he is accused of managing the province like his own pocket, by embezzling funds that should benefit the population. The provincial ministries continued to rent private premises, while he and his family allowed themselves trips to Europe and built villas in Paris, Kenge and Kinshasa. This disputed management has sparked accusations of tribalism in the region.
When the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) closed the filing of candidacies, Peti-Peti dismissed several members of his entourage who had run in other legislative elections under different political labels. Among them, Freddy Biangu, his right-hand man and executive secretary of Kwango province, was sacked after being found on another candidate’s list.
Faced with these contested candidates, the candidacy of Émile Yimbu appears as an alternative. A respected journalist, he is supported by the population of key sectors such as Dinga, Mosamba, Koloksoso and Pelende-Nord, where he has established solid bases.
Émile Yimbu became known for his strong positions on governance in Kwango. In particular, he initiated an investigation into violence in the Bukangalonzo sector, which caused him tensions with the provincial authorities and even a period in prison. Supported by the population who demanded his release, he was nicknamed “Mandela” in tribute to his fight. Émile Yimbu was also criticized by Peti-Peti when he publicly denounced the policy carried out in the province.
In local political circles, some believe that the candidacy of Émile Yimbu was orchestrated to favor the tenors of the AACRD political grouping, in particular the candidate Mboso N’kodia Pwanga, current president of the National Assembly of the DRC. However, Yimbu himself presents himself as a candidate in his own right, claiming to bring hope and new perspectives to the people.
It remains to be seen whether Émile Yimbu will forgive his political competitors and what impact his candidacy will have on the outcome of this election