DRC Interior Minister bans 13 political parties

Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo, the Vice-Prime Minister in charge of the Interior in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has ordered the immediate suspension of activities for thirteen political parties across the country.

The ban affects several prominent political formations, including the PPRD associated with former President Joseph Kabila, the LGD of Matata Ponyo, and the PISTE-E of Seth Kikuni. Other parties included in the order are the AAP, UDA originelle, MPCR, ATD, PNEL, MLP, UPC, ADCP, COFEDEC, and AARC.

In an official correspondence sent to provincial governors, the Minister demanded the measure be implemented ‘toutes affaires cessantes’ (with all due haste) to ensure ‘une exécution sans faille’ (flawless execution) nationwide. The directive was also copied to the Presidency, the Prime Minister, the Congolese National Police (PNC), the National Intelligence Agency (ANR), and the General Directorate of Migration (DGM). The specific reasons for the prohibition have not yet been detailed.