Congolese political actors Martin Fayulu, Augustin Matata, Moïse Katumbi and Delly Sesanga have recently been talked about because of their mobilization for the holding of a popular meeting in Kinshasa. While they have not yet won their political demands, these leaders have chosen to get closer to the people of Kinshasa by organizing this event.
Their request for supervision and security from the government has been accepted, but the question that arises is whether their initiative will be able to mobilize as many people as the Lamuka coalition had succeeded in 2018 in the same place. To hope to mobilize the crowds, Fayulu, Matata, Katumbi and Sesanga will have to focus on a clear and persuasive speech, able to answer the concerns of the average Congolese.
Their demands relate essentially to the organization of future elections, which they consider ill-prepared and biased in favor of the power in place. The appointment of members related to the President of the Republic at the head of the institutions in charge of the elections is particularly criticized. The opposition leaders want an assurance of elections organized in an impartial manner, in accordance with the constitution.
These political actors have also announced that they will not run for the December 2023 elections, if the conditions of fairness and transparency are not met. A few months before this crucial election, citizen mobilizations and the positions of the various stakeholders are multiplying, suggesting tensions and conflicts to come.
Indeed, the recent arrest of Salomon Kalonda has further accentuated an already tense atmosphere in the country. Concerns about an attempted internet shutdown would also hover over the country. While progress on investment projects in the DRC is announced, the political and social situation in the country remains fragile.
Despite these events, we congratulate the commitment of certain political actors, such as civil society, who do not hesitate to defy the taboos to protest against abuses and corruption. More than ever, Congo must find a solution to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process, in order to build a prosperous future for all Congolese.