** The proposal for a government of national unity of Félix Tshisekedi: realities and illusions of a sacred union **
On February 23, 2025, Olivier Kamitatu, spokesperson for opponent Moïse Katumbi, expressed his skepticism in the face of the initiative of President Félix Tshisekedi aimed at establishing a government of national unity. His statement, broadcast on his X account, fueled a debate already bubbling around the political climate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Beyond the verbal game, this situation raises fundamental questions about the dynamics of power, the possible alliances and the viability of a real political dialogue in a country where the injuries of the past are still lively.
### The voice of an opponent: the illusion of unity
Kamitatu used a culinary metaphor to paint an inexpensive picture of Tshisekedi’s strategy, evoking the Belgian expression “beat the butter”. This image echoes the widespread perception that political initiatives, especially those aimed at bringing together various parts around a table, can often prove to be in vain. Behind this incisive humor hides a reality: the Congolese can wonder if these promises of union are not only a clever political maneuver to divert the attention of the urgent challenges faced by the country.
The idea of a government of national unity is not unprecedented in the Congolese political landscape, where temporary coalitions are often perceived as short -term solutions only generating mixed results. The fragility of political unity in DR Congo is accentuated by recent tensions with Rwanda, which aggravates a feeling of insecurity and division within institutions.
### Towards a coalition: a spirit of Congolese politics?
It is essential to examine what a government of national unity really means in the Congolese context. On the one hand, the contribution of opposition figures and members of civil society could enrich political debates and promote a pluralist representation. On the other hand, this mixture of forces could also lead to a dilution of ideologies, a phenomenon already observed in several previous governments, where the Union is often synonymous with compromise to the detriment of the fundamental convictions of the parties.
A comparative analysis with other countries in the region, such as Kenya or South Africa, can offer interesting perspectives. In these nations, union governments have been established, but often in response to major crises that threatened national cohesion. In Kenya, for example, the post-electoral political agreement of 2008 planted the seeds of national reconciliation, but also revealed the complexity and limits of such long-term alliances. For Tshisekedi, head for a coalition without adequate preparation could lead to a similar result.
### The challenges of implementation
The major challenge that arises in Tshisekedi is to convince both its opponents and its electoral base that a coalition is necessary. The fight against external aggression, in particular that coming from Rwanda, can be perceived as a unifying cause, but it cannot in itself justify alliances sometimes unnatural. As the president pointed out, calling on political actors beyond foreign interests is crucial. However, can this approach really arouse a feeling of loyalty and collaboration in a political landscape marked by distrust?
In addition, if we consider the rate of electoral participation in the DRC, historically weak, it is legitimate to wonder if a government of union will really be able to mobilize popular support. Congolese could see this project as a simple maneuver of political survival rather than a real guarantee of change.
### Conclusion: an uncertain visibility
In short, Tshisekedi’s proposal for a government of national unity is both an opportunity and a challenge. If it is implemented with transparency and a real desire to bring together divergent voices, it could transform the Congolese political landscape in depth. However, if distrust persists, this initiative may become the source of increased division.
Kamitatu’s critical gaze is not to be overlooked, because it calls out of the reality of political intentions. The Congolese aspire to a tangible change and a political structure which really represents them. The future of the government of national unity will therefore depend on the ability of its members to go beyond partisan disputes and to build a solidarity front in favor of the common good, far from the temporary illusions that the current political discourse can nourish.