Title: The electoral results in Katanga: A setback for Félix Tshisekedi and his allies
Introduction :
The provisional results of the presidential election of December 20 revealed an unexpected setback for Félix Tshisekedi and his allies in the Katanga region. Despite his victory with 73.34% of the votes nationally, President Tshisekedi was largely defeated in this strategic region. This defeat highlights the political limits of certain executives of the Sacred Union and raises questions about their ability to effectively support the President in their respective territories.
A lack of political weight:
Among Félix Tshisekedi’s allies in Katanga, we find influential figures such as Prime Minister Sama Lukonde, Chief of Staff Ghislain Nyembo, Dany Banza and even governors Fifi Masuka and Kyabula Katwa. Despite their attractive positions and advantages, they failed to mobilize enough voters in favor of President Tshisekedi.
The political weight of Moïse Katumbi, Félix Tshisekedi’s long-time rival, seems to have played a determining role in this defeat. Katumbi, former governor of Katanga province, has maintained strong popularity in the region and managed to mobilize massive support for his own candidacy. His efforts paid off, as he obtained a landslide victory against Tshisekedi in this part of the country.
Consequences for the Sacred Union:
This defeat in Katanga raises questions about the Sacred Union’s ability to consolidate its power and extend its influence across the country. If its own allies fail to elect President Tshisekedi in their respective regions, this calls into question the solidity of this political coalition.
For the Sacred Union, it is becoming crucial to rethink its political mobilization strategy in the different regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. There is a need to strengthen ties with local stakeholders and broaden the support base outside traditional circles. This defeat also shows the importance of unity and cohesion within the Sacred Union to overcome political obstacles.
Conclusion :
The defeat of Félix Tshisekedi and his allies in Katanga highlights the political limits of certain executives of the Sacred Union. Despite the positions and advantages they enjoy, they have not succeeded in mobilizing effectively in favor of President Tshisekedi. This defeat underlines the importance of a solid political mobilization strategy and strengthened unity within the Sacred Union. It is now crucial for this coalition to rethink its approaches and find ways to consolidate its power across the country.