Tensions have resurfaced within the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s ruling coalition, the Union sacrée de la nation, as key figures clash over the upcoming protest organized by the Coalition article 64 on July 22 in Kinshasa.

The demonstration, led by opposition groups, is set to converge at the Palais de la Nation and demand the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, accusing him of violating his constitutional oath through a proposed constitutional amendment.

conflicting strategies ignite internal disputes

Two prominent figures within the Union sacrée have publicly opposed each other’s positions on the protest. André Mbata, a National Deputy and constitutional law professor, has called for an organized counter-protest across Kinshasa and all 25 provinces of the DRC, as well as in the diaspora.

Augustin Kabuya, Secretary-General of the ruling party Union pour la démocratie et le progrès social (UDPS) and interim president of the USN, has taken a firm stance against the idea of a counter-march. In a terse statement, he urged UDPS members to ignore the protest routes and continue with their daily activities.

His directive was swiftly challenged by Mbata, who argued that the USN, comprising over 900 political parties, groups, and associations, cannot be reduced to the opinion of a single member. He emphasized that the coalition must not remain silent while opposition forces march to demand the departure of a president elected by the Congolese people.

a history of friction

The public feud between Kabuya and Mbata is not new. Their rivalry dates back to 2024 when Mbata distanced himself from Kabuya during a dispute with Déo Bizibu, Kabuya’s deputy within the UDPS. The tension reached a peak during the April 2026 gubernatorial election in Sankuru Province, where Mbata openly backed an alternative candidate, Jules Lodi Emongo, who ultimately won. Following his defeat, Kabuya publicly accused Mbata of disloyalty and ordered party cadres to stop paying their dues to him, further underscoring the deep divisions within the ruling coalition.

With the 2028 elections looming, these internal disagreements highlight the growing instability within the Union sacrée, raising concerns about the coalition’s ability to present a united front against mounting political and social challenges.

Samyr Lukombo

key figures

• André Mbata: National Deputy, constitutional law professor, and vocal critic of Kabuya’s leadership within the USN.
• Augustin Kabuya: Secretary-General of the UDPS and interim president of the Union sacrée de la nation.
• Félix Tshisekedi: President of the DRC, whose proposed constitutional changes have sparked nationwide protests.