Tensions have escalated between two influential figures within the ruling coalition in Democratic Republic of Congo, as a planned opposition march draws nearer. Augustin Kabuya, Secretary General of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), and André Mbata, Permanent Secretary of the United Sacred Nation (USN) platform, have publicly clashed over how to respond to the demonstration scheduled for July 22, 2026.
opposition protest threatens to reshape political landscape
The Coalition Article 64 has called for nationwide protests, culminating at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa. The movement demands the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, accusing him of violating his constitutional oath following revelations about his plans to amend the 2006 constitution rather than merely revising it.
While the opposition prepares to take to the streets, the ruling coalition remains deeply divided. André Mbata, currently in Yaoundé for parliamentary duties, has publicly urged all USN-affiliated parties, associations, and individuals to participate in counter-protests across Kinshasa, all 25 provincial capitals, and the diaspora. His statement, issued on July 13, declared: “We must mobilize to demonstrate against those attempting a coup against the nation by denying the sovereign people their right to exercise their democracy.”
kabuya’s counter-mobilization directive sparks backlash
In stark contrast, Augustin Kabuya, interim president of the UDPS and member of the USN presidium, issued a directive on July 14 urging UDPS members to continue normal activities on July 22. In a terse statement, he warned: “No march is scheduled for that date, and members should avoid routes planned for opposition demonstrations.”
Mbata swiftly responded with a scathing rebuttal, emphasizing the autonomy of the USN platform. “The USN includes over 900 political parties, associations, and groups. A statement from a single party’s leader does not represent the entire coalition,” he argued. He condemned Kabuya’s directive as “politically incorrect and premature,” insisting that the USN cannot remain silent while opponents attempt to undermine a democratically elected leader.
The clash between the two leaders is not without precedent. In April 2026, Mbata openly opposed Kabuya’s candidate in the Sankuru gubernatorial election, endorsing Jules Lodi Emongo instead. This public defiance followed earlier disputes in 2024, when Mbata distanced himself from Kabuya amid internal UDPS conflicts. The tensions highlight deep divisions within the ruling coalition, raising concerns about its cohesion ahead of the 2028 elections and the end of President Tshisekedi’s second term.
uncertain future for Congo’s political stability
These rivalries come at a critical juncture for DR Congo. With the opposition mobilizing for a high-stakes protest and the ruling coalition struggling to present a united front, the political climate remains volatile. The outcome of both the July 22 demonstrations and the internal power struggles within the USN could redefine the country’s trajectory in the coming years.
