The Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) has organized a march in Kinshasa to show support for the country's institutions, the dialogue initiated by the Head of State, and a potential referendum. The march, which has been authorized by the Kinshasa City Hall, will take place on September 22, 2026. According to a UDPS official, the procession will start at Boulevard Lumumba, pass through Sendwe, and end at the Martyrs' Stadium in the Kinshasa commune.
The rallying of UDPS militants is currently underway, particularly at the party's headquarters in Limete. The march is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM. The provincial Minister of the Interior and Security has reminded the public that the authorization of the march does not imply a halt to activities in the capital. The minister has invited the population to go about their daily business freely and has called on the police to provide escort services for the manifestation.
This mobilization by the ruling party comes a week after a march organized by the opposition Coalition Article 64 (C64) on September 15, 2026, to protest against a proposed constitutional change. The UDPS had described the opposition's manifestation as a "failure." The UDPS march is seen as a show of support for the government's initiatives, including a potential referendum.
The City Hall of Kinshasa has taken note of the peaceful march's itinerary and has authorized the event. The authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during the march. The UDPS has assured that the march will be peaceful and has called on its supporters to exercise restraint and discipline during the event.
The march is also seen as a test of the UDPS's mobilization capacity, particularly after the opposition's march on September 15, which was criticized by the ruling party. The UDPS has claimed that its march will be a show of strength and a demonstration of its support for the government's initiatives.
The government's initiatives, including a potential referendum, have been met with resistance from some quarters, including the opposition. The UDPS march is seen as a move to counter the opposition's narrative and to show support for the government's agenda. The event is being closely watched by observers, who are keen to see how the situation unfolds.
The authorities have deployed security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the march. The police have been instructed to provide escort services and to maintain order during the event. The public has been advised to go about their daily business freely and to avoid any areas where the march is taking place.
Key points
- The UDPS march is a show of support for the government's initiatives, including a potential referendum.
- The march is a test of the UDPS's mobilization capacity, particularly after the opposition's march on September 15.
- The authorities have deployed security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the march.
