** The UDPS facing the storm: when loyalty opposes efficiency **
In Kinshasa, on February 20, 2025, the secretary general of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Augustin Kabuya, held a poignant speech before his supporters, revealing deep cracks within the ruling party. The loyalty manifested by the UDPS towards President Félix Tshisekedi seems to oppose a saving administrative efficiency long awaited by the Congolese population. Kabuya headed its members head-on on their management of the key positions entrusted by the Head of State, raising a central question: is political affiliation enough to guarantee competence and responsibility?
### Loyalty put to the test
In his speech, Kabuya stressed that several members of the party had diverted their attention from public affairs to engage in the creation of foundations and associations. This observation echoes a frequent criticism with regard to political parties in Africa, where the challenges of power sometimes attract more concerns for the development and well-being of the population. If we examine the trajectory of the UDPS since the arrival of Tshisekedi in power, one cannot help but see a certain complacency which could explain this drift.
It is indicative to note that of the 33 ministries of the Congolese government, a majority is led by members of the UDPS. However, the effectiveness of public policies remains questionable. For example, in an evaluation report published by the World Bank, it is revealed that poverty affects almost 60% of the Congolese population. This raises a concern: what is the point of being in power if the expected result is stagnation, even a decline in areas such as education, health and infrastructure?
### Reminder to the order of Kabuya
Kabuya, attacking Joseph Kabila and saying that the latter had signed harmful agreements, seeks to redefine himself in a positive light. He sets himself up as a defender of an unshakable Tshisekedi in the face of criticism. By recalling that the current president refused to give in to the claims of the M23, he tries to galvanize his troops, but this strategy could have contradictory consequences. Slogan policy could lead to an isolation of power in the face of existential challenges that the nation is going through.
The allegations of betrayal against Tshisekedi, according to which Kabilia was the real traitor, have no concrete foundation for the population, which awaits concrete actions rather than speeches. Traditional political cleavages in the DRC are not new, but what is worrying is the risk of disconnection between political leaders and the people, as the many social movements claiming immediate changes show.
### The challenge of immobility in the face of the aspiration for change
It is crucial to highlight the context in which these declarations are made. The Democratic Republic of Congo is in the grip of complex challenges, including political instability, natural resources management and community tensions. While the UDPS militates to maintain its support base, security and economic challenges should have priority in the discussions. Are Tshisekedi’s promises concerning change only rhetorical or are there tangible plans?
According to recent studies, more than a quarter of the Congolese population does not have access to basic health care, which represents a blatant failure in terms of governance. Kabuya’s speech, embellished with loyalty calls, can hardly hide this reality. In addition, recent economic assessments show that growth has not benefited the entire population, exacerbating the inequalities already marked.
### Towards a reconceptualization of political priorities
Kabuya’s categorical declaration that “Félix Tshisekedi will never resign” deserves special attention. In a context where the discordant voices go up-within the opposition and platforms such as the Christian Church Council of the Democratic Republic of Congo (ECC)-the situation could deteriorate if the power in place persists in ignoring the calls In dialogue. Governance cannot be exercised by the sole will of a man; It requires collective participation and significant reforms.
The UDPS, rather than seeing itself as a fortress in the face of criticism, should adopt a more inclusive role and reconfigure to effectively meet the needs of the Congolese. Enlightened governance claims to listen and a humanization of politics, in order to prevent the sharp discourses from a Kabuya from becoming signs of a defensive party, dying under the weight of its own unwarmed promises.
### Conclusion
Ultimately, the danger that awaits the UDPS is not so much a glaring opposition as the growing disillusionment of the population in the face of governance perceived as ineffective. As the approach adopted by Kabuya shows, loyalty to the Head of State must be accompanied by a critical reflection on the way things are shaped in the country. The purpose would be to transform this membership into an engine of sustainable development for the Democratic Republic of Congo, and not into a shield against the unpleasant truths of government ineffectiveness.