In July 2024, the presidential party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), was shaken by an internal crisis of significant magnitude. Members of parliament and senators who were members of this party made an urgent appeal to the governing bodies to resolve as quickly as possible the disagreements that were hindering its proper functioning.
A committee composed of parliamentarians was set up to try to resolve this crisis through mediation between the different factions in conflict. These members affirmed that all parties involved wanted a rapid convening of the party’s democratic convention in order to find a lasting solution to this crisis.
This crisis, which has been going on for several weeks, erupted following internal divisions within the UDPS. Some members contest the leadership of the party’s interim president, Augustin Kabuya, accusing him of monopolizing positions within the government for his own benefit. Accusations of abuse, corruption, solitary and personalized management of the party, as well as cronyism are brought against him by the rebels.
The criticism of Augustin Kabuya does not stop there. His detractors have listed accusations such as untimely media appearances, unilateral decisions, and a lack of strategic vision. Eteni Longondo, former Minister of Health, is among the main leaders of this revolt against the Secretary General of the UDPS.
For his part, Augustin Kabuya calls for unity, serenity, and calm within the party. He emphasizes respect for the texts of the UDPS as a common heritage for all members and recalls that as Secretary General, he has the power to take disciplinary measures against those who disrupt the internal harmony of the party.
This crisis within the UDPS reveals deep tensions and differences of opinion within this major political party in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outcome of this internal crisis will have repercussions on the political stability of the country and on the future of the UDPS as an influential political force. It is now essential for the party leaders to find common ground and restore unity to continue their political action with cohesion and determination.