Omanghana
The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned the activities of 13 opposition political parties, including former President Joseph Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), in a move that has intensified tensions between the government and its critics.
Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani announced the directive, with provincial governors tasked with enforcing it nationwide. The government cited national security concerns, while opposition figures condemned the measure as an attack on political pluralism.
Among the affected parties are Leadership and Governance for Development, led by former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo; PISTE pour l’Émergence, associated with former presidential candidate Seth Kikuni; and the Union for African Democracy, led by Claudel Lubaya.
The decision follows the establishment of the National Refoundation Front in Goma. Authorities describe the grouping as a hostile political and military movement linked to Kabila and have cited it as a basis for action against the parties.
President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration has accused Kabila and his allies of supporting an insurrection and backing the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel movement in eastern Congo. Those allegations form part of a wider confrontation between the current government and the former president.
Kabila was previously sentenced to death in absentia by a military court on treason charges. Security forces have also raided his main residence and a farm property east of Kinshasa.
The ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress welcomed the restrictions, arguing that the state has a responsibility to protect citizens and respond to threats to national security.
Opposition leaders, however, accused the government of using the conflict in the east to silence dissent and weaken political rivals. They argued that suspending party activities would further restrict democratic participation.
Legal commentators have also questioned whether the Interior Ministry can suspend registered political parties without a definitive judicial order.
The directive adds another source of political tension as the country confronts armed conflict in the east and a deepening dispute over the limits of executive authority.
Source: Omanghana
