In a significant political mobilization in Kinshasa, Minister of Human Rights Samuel Mbemba convened over 8,000 citizens in the Lukunga district, framing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC not merely as a military crisis, but as a national struggle for sovereignty and human dignity on the eve of the new year. The gathering at Camp Luka in the Ngaliema commune served as a stark reminder that while the capital celebrates, communities in the east endure relentless violence.
Minister Mbemba’s call for unwavering support of President Félix Tshisekedi transcends typical political rhetoric. It must be understood within the complex, decades-long history of regional instability. The aggression he attributes to “Rwanda’s Paul Kagame” refers to the well-documented support of the M23 rebel group by the Rwandan government, a claim substantiated by numerous United Nations Group of Experts reports and diplomatic condemnations. This external backing transforms a local insurgency into a proxy war, challenging the very sovereignty of the Congolese state.
His speech drew a powerful, emotive contrast between the present and the past: “In the past, we had lying authorities who claimed to be Congolese during the day but plotted against the interests of the DRC at night.” This is a likely reference to the era of President Joseph Kabila, whose tenure was often criticized for opaque dealings and alleged compromises with neighboring powers. By positioning Tshisekedi as a genuinely patriotic leader, Mbemba seeks to consolidate a narrative of national renewal and legitimate resistance. The minister’s appeal, echoed by the mention of “Papa Mboso” (likely National Assembly President Christophe Mboso), underscores a strategic political alignment within the ruling coalition, known as the Sacred Union, to present a unified front during a national security crisis.
The role of a Minister of Human Rights leading this charge is particularly noteworthy. It signals a deliberate framing of the conflict through a humanitarian and legal lens. Mbemba did not just call for military support; he highlighted the daily death toll in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira, thereby anchoring his political message in the stark reality of human suffering. This aligns the government’s military campaign with the protection of fundamental rights—portraying the FARDC (Armed Forces of the DRC) and their commander-in-chief as defenders of civilians against atrocities that include massacres, sexual violence, and mass displacement.
Furthermore, the practical aspects of the gathering reveal a deep understanding of grassroots political engagement. The distribution of pagnes (wrapper cloths, often imprinted with political or motivational slogans) and financial envelopes is more than mere gift-giving. In Congolese political culture, pagnes act as mobile banners, creating a visible sea of support in communities. The financial assistance for New Year’s Eve acknowledges the economic hardship exacerbated by the conflict, forging a tangible link between the state’s political struggle and the citizens’ daily welfare. This practice, while common, blurs the lines between social solidarity, political patronage, and mobilization.
Ultimately, this event is a microcosm of the DRC’s multifaceted battle. It is simultaneously a military conflict in the east, a diplomatic and informational war against Rwandan influence, and an internal political project to build a cohesive national identity under President Tshisekedi’s leadership. Mbemba’s mobilization effort underscores that the government’s strategy relies as much on securing the political and moral support of the population in Kinshasa and beyond as it does on military victories on the battlefield. The true challenge lies in translating this mobilized support in the capital into lasting security and justice for the millions directly affected in the conflict zones.