The Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS/Tshisekedi) held a ceremony on September 20 to honor party militants who died during the violent events of September 19-20, 2016, in Kinshasa. The commemoration, held at the party's national headquarters in Limete, was marked by a biblical message and a moment of prayer and solidarity with the victims' families. The party's leader, Augustin Kabuya, attended the ceremony, which aimed to keep the memory of the victims alive.
The 2016 violence in Kinshasa was characterized by clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in multiple deaths, injuries, and disappearances. A preliminary report by the UN Joint Human Rights Office documented the attacks on the UDPS headquarters and other party offices. The party views the victims as "combatants" who fell during the political struggle. The ceremony was an opportunity for party members, cadres, and families of the victims to come together and pay their respects.
Augustin Kabuya announced that the party would continue to honor the memory of the victims, with a ceremony planned for September 21 to visit the burial sites and tend to the graves of the deceased. This initiative aims to maintain the party's connection with the families of those who disappeared. The party's efforts to keep the memory of the victims alive are an essential part of its identity and its commitment to its members.
In addition to the commemoration, Kabuya also announced a major mobilization planned for September 22 across the country. The party is preparing a day of mobilization in support of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and his political initiatives, including national dialogue. The party has planned marches in several parts of the country, including Kinshasa, where participants will gather at the 11th rue Limete and proceed to the Kinshasa Cultural Center.
The UDPS has chosen white as the symbolic color for the September 22 mobilization, which Kabuya described as a symbol of peace. He urged participants to exercise discipline and respect the rules, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the demonstration. The party's goal is to demonstrate its support for the president and his initiatives while showcasing its organizational capacity.
The UDPS's double agenda on September 20 and 22 reflects the party's efforts to balance its commitment to its members and its role in the country's politics. By honoring its victims and mobilizing its supporters, the party aims to reaffirm its presence on the national scene. The events of September 2016 remain a sensitive topic in DR Congo, and the UDPS's commemoration is a reminder of the country's complex and often contentious political history.
The September 22 mobilization is expected to bring together various forces, including political and social forces, religious denominations, associations, and organizations. The party's efforts to build a broad coalition in support of the president's initiatives may help to galvanize public opinion and create momentum for Tshisekedi's policies. The success of the mobilization will depend on the party's ability to organize and coordinate the event effectively.
Key points
- The UDPS party in DR Congo held a ceremony to honor victims of the 2016 Kinshasa violence.
- A major mobilization is planned for September 22 in support of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and his initiatives.
- The party views the victims of the 2016 violence as "combatants" who fell during the political struggle.
