In a recent power struggle in the Kwilu province, tensions have escalated between the interim governor and the ruling party, Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). The UDPS is calling for a peaceful demonstration on February 18th to demand the suspension of the interim governor due to allegations of mismanagement.
Giresse Mubangu, President of the UDPS youth league in Bandundu, accuses interim governor Félicien Kiway of running the province in a defiant manner, disregarding instructions from the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, particularly regarding the appointment of local officials. Mubangu also claims that the governor is engaging in a retaliatory policy and making irregular dismissals of employees.
According to Mubangu, “The Vice Prime Minister has repeatedly forbidden him from appointing officials at the local level, but he continues to do so. He is causing chaos within the local government by undermining the Vice Prime Minister’s instructions. He is carrying out a policy of settling scores with employees he disagrees with. He dismisses without justification, cuts salaries without reason. We are calling for his suspension because the province has been plunged into chaos since he became the interim governor. We believe there is financial mismanagement and excessive mismanagement on the part of the interim governor.”
The ruling party is also demanding the immediate organization of elections for members of the permanent provincial assembly, senators, and the governor and vice-governor in Kwilu.
Government Response and Justification
On the other hand, the provincial government is keen on avoiding further tension. The spokesperson, Me Alpha Luma, emphasizes that the province’s main focus is on supporting the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and national institutions in the face of Rwandan aggression. He refutes claims of mismanagement, stating that the UDPS was seeking a position within the General Directorate of Revenue for Kwilu, a position that would be the quota of the PALU/Mazenga party.
Me Alpha Luma explains, “The peaceful march is constitutional. It is not about mismanagement or the governor’s defiant management. The UDPS has a demand related to the replacement of the Deputy Director General of the DGREK, a position given to PALU/Mazenga by Governor Itsundala. We were planning to discuss this issue with the UDPS upon the governor’s return. Unfortunately, they have opted for a peaceful march over alleged incompetence or mismanagement, which only exists in the minds of those seeking a position.”
The peaceful march is scheduled to take place on February 18th in the city of Bandundu. The outcome of this demonstration remains uncertain, as both parties stand firm in their positions. The situation in Kwilu province continues to be a point of contention, highlighting the complex interplay between political power struggles and governance challenges.