© REUTERS/Robert Carrubba
Jean-Marc Kabund during a press conference at the residence of Etienne Tshisekedi, in Limete, commune of Kinshasa, on March 28, 2017.
Tension was high this Saturday around the headquarters of the UDPS and the residence of Jean-Marc Kabund, interim president of the presidential party. The police were obliged to intervene to restore order and prevent the situation from degenerating. This situation is perhaps also indicative of a deeper crisis that has been brewing for several months within the political family of Felix Tshisekedi.
With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
Two camps seem to be forming, between the militants who await confirmation of the resignation of the first vice-president of the National Assembly and others who beg him not to go all the way.
Jean-Marc Kabund appeared relaxed in front of the activists. He took the opportunity to address a few spades to the activists who demanded his departure. ” Their joy is short-lived “, he said.
Among the party executives and in the entourage of Félix Tshisekedi, no one publicly comments on these events. But under wraps, some let go. It is, they say, the manifestation of an accumulation of tensions in the entourage of the head of state. And some advisers criticize Jean-Marc Kabund for his attitude, which is considered arrogant. ” He thinks everything is allowed. He thinks he is vice-president of the Republic. He respects neither the president nor his family “says a member of Félix Tshisekedi’s cabinet.
These events also occur in a context marked by tensions within the party. Two camps have formed since 2019. One of them does not recognize the leadership of Jean-Marc Kabund.
Even today, some executives criticize the current executive board for not preparing sufficiently for the 2023 elections.
According to those close to him, the situation embarrasses the head of state, who hopes for re-election and expects a lot from the leaders of his party, the UDPS.