Tensions have resurfaced between prominent figures within President Félix Tshisekedi’s political circle, with Augustin Kabuya and André Mbata—both key members of the ruling coalition—engaging in a public dispute over the upcoming constitutional reform protest scheduled for July 22. The opposition-led march, targeting the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa, demands President Tshisekedi’s resignation, accusing him of betraying his constitutional oath through plans to alter the 2006 constitution.

Diverging responses to opposition mobilization

While the opposition gears up to mobilize the public against what they label a constitutional coup, André Mbata, currently in Yaoundé for parliamentary duties, has called on all members of the Union sacrée de la Nation (USN) to participate in counter-protests across Kinshasa, all 25 provincial capitals, and the diaspora. His statement urged members to demonstrate against those undermining national sovereignty by denying citizens their right to exercise it.

In stark contrast, Augustin Kabuya, Secretary-General of the ruling UDPS party and member of the USN presidium, swiftly dismissed the idea of organizing a counter-march on July 22. In a terse communiqué issued Tuesday, July 13, Kabuya instructed UDPS members to carry on with their regular activities, explicitly warning against using routes designated for the opposition’s protest.

Public feud exposes deepening divisions

Mbata, a constitutional law professor, wasted no time in firing back at Kabuya’s directive, dismissing it as politically incorrect and premature. In a scathing response, he emphasized that the USN, comprising over 900 political parties, associations, and groupings, cannot be reduced to the position of a single component. He argued that individual statements from members do not represent the entire platform, asserting that the USN should only follow directives from its permanent secretary, its official spokesperson.

Mbata condemned what he described as silence from the presidential majority amid opposition efforts to force President Tshisekedi’s resignation—despite his democratic election. He accused the opposition of ignorance regarding constitutional principles and warned members of the USN to disregard any messages not issued by the platform’s leadership.

Historical tensions and unresolved grievances

This latest clash between Kabuya and Mbata is not an isolated incident. Their rivalry traces back to 2024, when Mbata opposed Kabuya’s candidate in the Sankuru provincial governor election earlier this year. Mbata backed Jules Lodi Emongo, who ultimately won the race, dealing a significant blow to Kabuya’s influence. Following this setback, Kabuya allegedly ordered UDPS members to cease financial contributions to Mbata, further escalating their feud.

The ongoing power struggle within the Union sacrée de la Nation reflects broader divisions within the ruling coalition, raising concerns about its cohesion ahead of the 2028 elections and the end of President Tshisekedi’s second and final term.