**Title: UDPS claims its power within the National Assembly of the DRC**
In the turbulent backstage of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) recently made its voice heard as the main political force in the country. With no fewer than 150 deputies to its credit, Felix Tshisekedi’s party claimed the presidency of seven permanent committees within the Parliament, as well as the establishment of a Council of Elders.
This vigorous position comes from a meeting of the ad hoc committee, responsible for harmonizing the aspirations of the different political forces present within the hemicycle. The UDPS justifies this demand by its indisputable political weight and its predominant role within the parliamentary institution. The ECOFIN, PAJ, Defense and Security, and Monitoring and Evaluation committees are among the ruling party’s top priorities, not subject to negotiation, despite the reluctance of its partners.
While the lower house of Parliament is experiencing a delay in establishing its schedule, which is crucial for the smooth running of parliamentary work, Vital Kamerhe, its president, took the initiative to begin discussions with the UDPS delegation. This meeting aims to promote peace and cohesion within the National Assembly, in a context where disagreements and tensions between the various political actors could compromise the functioning of the institution.
In response to this rise in power of the UDPS within the National Assembly, the question that arises is: what reading can we make of this asserted political position? To answer this question, two distinguished guests intervene in the debate:
On the one hand, Gary Sakata, elected national deputy of Bagata, member of the Palu political party within the AB political group and partner of the Sacred Union of the Nation, brings his enlightened point of view on this dynamic underway within the Congolese Parliament. On the other hand, Ntumba Bintu Tshiabola, honorary national deputy and eminent executive of the UDPS, provides valuable insight into the motivations and objectives of his party in this complex political context.
The search for balance, dialogue and collaboration between the different political forces within the National Assembly remains essential to ensure the proper functioning of democratic institutions in the DRC. Faced with these major challenges, the ability of political actors to find compromises and work together for the general interest of the nation will be decisive for the political future of the country.
In this changing and uncertain context, the UDPS asserts its position as undisputed political leader and intends to play a central role in guiding parliamentary decisions, while maintaining the course towards the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo.