Seth Kikuni, the leader of the political party “Piste pour l’urgence”, recently expressed his disapproval of the statements of Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, member of the Presidium of the Sacred Union of the Nation, questioning the Congolese nationality of Moses Katumbi Chapwe. According to Seth Kikuni, this reaction from Jean-Pierre Bemba is motivated by the success of Moïse Katumbi in the Greater Equator area, unlike his own candidate Félix Tshisekedi, who failed to effectively mobilize the population of this region.
In a press conference on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Seth Kikuni declared: “Jean-Pierre Bemba’s reaction is simply the result of the frustration he feels following the success of Moïse Katumbi Chapwe in the Greater Equator space. He hoped keep this region for its candidate Félix Tshisekedi, but it is clear that during the reception of the outgoing President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, he failed compared to the reception reserved for Moïse Katumbi. This generated great frustration and hatred among Jean-Pierre Bemba.”
Seth Kikuni also believes that Jean-Pierre Bemba has no right to question the nationality of others and warns him of the consequences of spreading hate speech. He notably recalls Jean-Pierre Bemba’s past during the six-day war in Kisangani, where he was at the head of Ugandan troops and used a Ugandan passport, which calls into question his own legitimacy to speak of nationality.
The leader of “Piste pour l’urgence” also criticizes the Sacred Union of the Nation, the political family of President Félix Tshisekedi, asserting that it focuses too much on attacks against Moïse Katumbi rather than presenting an assessment and a political offer for the Congolese population. He deplores the fact that Jean-Pierre Bemba did not meet the expectations of the population regarding the issue of peace in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Seth Kikuni, Jean-Pierre Bemba is synonymous with failure, both politically and in the management of his father’s legacy. Instead, he encourages presidential candidates, including Moïse Katumbi, to present their social projects and respond to the aspirations of the Congolese.
In conclusion, Seth Kikuni’s statements highlight the political tensions between the different forces present in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in particular between the supporters of Moïse Katumbi and those of Jean-Pierre Bemba. This situation reflects the important issues linked to nationality and political competition in the country. It seems that the controversy between the two leaders persists and could influence the Congolese political landscape as the presidential elections approach.