Kabuya-Kitoko Clash Escalates in Democratic Republic of Congo Politics

A public challenge issued by Devos Kitoko, a key figure in the ECiDé party led by Martin Fayulu, has sparked a heated exchange with Augustin Kabuya, secretary general of the UDPS/Tshisekedi party. Kitoko called for a debate with Kabuya, suggesting it would reveal the UDPS leader's supposed lack of knowledge on critical national issues. Kabuya responded on Facebook, dismissing Kitoko's academic credentials as irrelevant to the political arena.

The dispute began on November 7, 2026, when Kitoko publicly challenged Kabuya to a debate during a political gathering in Kinshasa's Tshangu district. Kitoko implied that the debate would demonstrate which of the two men is more knowledgeable about the country's situation. Kabuya fired back, questioning Kitoko's motives and suggesting that his use of the title "professor" was an attempt to intimidate him.

Kabuya pointed out several instances where Kitoko had made statements that Kabuya claims were false or misleading. One example cited was Kitoko's assertion on Top Congo FM that former President Joseph Kabila had no connection to the AFC/M23 coalition. Kabuya countered that Kabila himself later acknowledged his leadership role in the rebel movement, and that Kitoko had failed to apologize for the error.

The debate proposed by Kitoko may focus on his previous statements, which Kabuya described as "mensonges" (lies). Kabuya questioned whether the debate could be held on a scientific basis or if it would devolve into a discussion of Kitoko's controversial claims. The UDPS secretary general also brought up the issue of a march organized by Kitoko on June 15, 2026, which resulted in a reported eight deaths.

The tension between the two politicians is set against a backdrop of heightened political tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The case of Manassé Lomboto, a militant who was killed, has contributed to the strained relations between the opposition and the ruling party. Lomboto's family was received by Kabuya, a move the opposition has criticized as manipulative.

The conflict has further complicated the already tense relationship between the opposition and the regime. Prince Epenge, a related figure, was transferred to Makala prison on charges of spreading false information about the murder of his bodyguard, Lomboto. This development has added fuel to the fire, with the opposition accusing the government of trying to silence them.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and no clear resolution in sight. The proposed debate between Kabuya and Kitoko has the potential to further expose the deep-seated divisions within the Congolese political landscape. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the two politicians will engage and what implications this will have for the country's fragile politics.

Key points

• The clash between Kabuya and Kitoko reflects the intense rivalries and tensions within the Democratic Republic of Congo's political scene.
• The proposed debate between the two men may focus on their competing claims and allegations of misinformation.
• The dispute is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the opposition and the ruling party, with several sensitive issues contributing to the animosity.