The mayor of Tshikapa, a city in the Kasaï province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been reinstated after a four-month suspension. Faustin Lumu Luabo Wetu was suspended on June 30, 2026, after publicly tearing a copy of the country's Constitution. The decision to reinstate him was made by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango.
Lumu's suspension was prompted by an incident on June 29, 2026, where he tore the Constitution during a political mobilization. This act sparked widespread outrage among the public and the Congolese political class. The provincial assembly recommended his suspension, which was followed by the central government. The Deputy Prime Minister then ordered a disciplinary procedure for grave misconduct, accompanied by a preventive suspension.
During Lumu's suspension, the city's administration was led by the deputy mayor. The decision to reinstate Lumu was communicated to the Kasaï provincial governor through a letter dated October 26, 2026. However, the ministry's letter did not provide details on the reasons behind the reinstatement or the outcome of the disciplinary procedure initiated against Lumu.
A ceremony to officially reinstate Lumu is scheduled for November 3, 2026, at the city's municipal offices. Several administrative and security personalities are expected to attend, including commune mayors, quarter and groupment leaders, market officials, and members of the Urban Security Council.
The reinstatement has sparked renewed debate on the responsibility of public authorities and respect for the country's institutions. While Lumu's administrative reinstatement has been confirmed, the authorities have not officially communicated on the specific reasons for his reinstatement or the conclusions of the disciplinary procedure.
Lumu's return to office ends a four-month controversy that had spread beyond the Kasaï province. The incident and subsequent suspension had raised questions about the limits of free speech and the role of public officials in promoting or undermining the country's Constitution.
The decision to reinstate Lumu has significant implications for the city's governance and the mayor's relationship with the provincial and national governments. As Lumu resumes his duties, he will likely face scrutiny from various stakeholders, including residents, politicians, and civil society groups.
Key points
- Faustin Lumu Luabo Wetu was reinstated as Tshikapa mayor after a four-month suspension for tearing the DR Congo Constitution.
- The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Interior, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, made the decision to reinstate Lumu.
- Lumu's reinstatement has sparked debate on public authority responsibility and respect for DR Congo's institutions.
