## Political rivalry in Kasumbalesa: a reflection on the leadership and the challenges of the UDPS
The political situation in Kasumbalesa, in the province of Haut-Katanga, took a worrying turn with the growing rivalry between the national deputy Tshiswaka Tshilombo Isaac and his provincial deputy, Mpoyo Mbayo Christian. This conflict, which has intensified since the start of the legislature, poses serious questions about the stability and effectiveness of leadership within the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the Party currently in power. Indeed, more than a simple personal confrontation, this crisis illuminates the dysfunctions which could undermine the credibility of the UDPS and harm its electoral bases.
### The confrontation and its repercussions
The clashes between supporters of Tshiswaka and those of Mpoyo are not only a distressing spectacle for voters, but they are revealing a deeper fracture within the party. The last incident on March 8, 2025 at the police station, where a physical altercation took place between the provincial deputy and close to Tshiswaka, illustrates how the differences can degenerate. In this case, the witnesses noted the inaction of the police present, raising questions about the level of engagement of the local authority in the face of political violence.
The UDPS, heir to a long struggle for the democratization of the country, today seems to be prey to internal power struggles which jeopardize its image. While the people of Sakania aspire to an enlightened and unified leadership, they face quarrels which indicate a lack of commitment to collective well-being.
### Communication and the role of hierarchy
The reaction of the UDPS hierarchy, in particular the silence maintained by the secretary general Augustin Kabuya, throws a shadow on the management of these internal conflicts. This silence could be perceived as a form of tacit approval of inappropriate behavior or, worse, as an inability to manage internal tensions. This communication vacuum is particularly worrying in a context where confidence in political institutions is already fragile.
The study of communication dynamics within political parties in Africa shows that an authoritarian leadership, combined with an absence of dialogue, can harm the image of a party and create a gap between leaders and the electoral base. The current situation in Kasumbalesa recalls similar examples in other African countries, where internal rivalries have led to electoral collapses and divisions in the support bases.
## Social and cultural issues
Beyond the political sphere, this conflict also symbolizes wider social and cultural issues that deserve to be examined. The division between supporters of Tshiswaka and Mpoyo evokes a frequent phenomenon in societies where allegiance networks are often stronger than shared values. In Sakania, political discourse must be nuanced by the sociological realities of the region, where tribal rivalries and community belonging can influence political choices.
This cleavage, which seems to mix political loyalty and social affiliation, is a potential source of violence if the leaders fail to transcend these dynamics. Research indicates that political conflicts can intensify community tensions, especially when institutions are perceived as incapable of managing social heterogeneity effectively.
### to a necessary reform?
To put an end to this spiral of violence and division, an overhaul of leadership within the UDPS is imperative. A proactive approach, based on dialogue and reconciliation, could not only appease tensions, but also rekindle the interest of citizens for the democratic process. Initiatives like open discussion forums where the various actors could express themselves could promote a renewed climate of confidence.
### Conclusion
The Tshiswaka-Mpoyo affair is emblematic of the challenges faced by political parties in terms of internal conflict management. The hierarchy of the UDPS, while having a key role in playing, must learn to navigate in these tumultuous waters with more sensitivity and anticipation. In Kasumbalesa, voters aspire to leadership that goes beyond personal rivalries, and it is up to leaders to give them the means to hope for a better future, far from the divisions and violence that undermines democracy.
In the end, the resilience of a political party is measured by its ability to deal with its own contradictions and to propose a unifying vision which transcends individual interests to embrace the common good.