The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently in the grip of a new outbreak of political tensions, following the resounding declarations of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, Peter Kazadi. His comments added fuel to the already burning fire in the Congolese political landscape, highlighting internal divisions and external threats.
In his speech, Peter Kazadi did not mince his words, denouncing the threats weighing on the stability of the country, both from within and from without. He claimed that some internal actors were in collusion with external enemies, seeking to sow trouble and incite the population towards non-civility. Faced with these dangers, the government has taken firm measures, with an army on high alert and a police ready to deal with any excess.
These statements echoed criticism from members of the Common Front for Congo (FCC), the political party of former President Joseph Kabila. The latter contest the current electoral process and accuse the current government of Félix Tshisekedi of authoritarian excesses. Tension rose a notch, with heated exchanges between the country’s different political factions.
In this electric atmosphere, some members of the FCC, such as Senator Francine Muyumba, stressed the importance of the right to free political expression. She recalled that even when they boycotted the electoral process in 2006, they were not silenced. For his part, Félix Momat, also from the FCC, questioned the electoral sham and called for humility on the part of the Deputy Prime Minister.
However, Marie-Ange Mushobekwa, former Minister of Human Rights and FCC executive, defended the diversity of opinions within Congolese politics. She highlighted the fundamental differences between the FCC and the ruling party, insisting that the FCC was not seeking to copy the current opposition, but to remain true to its principles.
While the final results of the elections are still awaited, tension remains palpable in the DRC. Calls for the cancellation and reorganization of the electoral process are increasing within the opposition and civil society, adding an additional dose of uncertainty and instability to the country’s already precarious situation.
It is essential to closely monitor the evolution of the situation in the DRC, because the political and social issues are major for the stability and development of the country.