The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has suspended 12 opposition political parties, Minister of Internal Security Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo announced on 31 October 2025.
The affected parties include the PPRD, founded by former President Joseph Kabila; LGD, led by former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo; UDA, headed by former MP Claudel Lubaya; PISTE, led by Seth Kikuni; and eight others, including AAP, MCPR, ATD, MLP, UPC, COFEDEC, ADCP, and PNEC.
Minister Shabani Lukoo accused the parties of violating principles that govern political organizations, including preserving national unity, safeguarding sovereignty, and ensuring security. He requested the Constitutional Court to dissolve the parties under laws prescribing sanctions for such breaches.
The move mainly targets parties linked to the “Sauvons la RDC” coalition, recently formed by Joseph Kabila and his supporters. The coalition has called for resolving the country’s issues through opposition to authoritarian governance, promoting inclusive dialogue, disbanding armed groups, and improving relations with neighboring states.
This decision follows the sentencing of Joseph Kabila to death on 30 September 2025 for crimes including treason, allegedly related to his support of the AFC/M23 movement. The government claims that “Sauvons la RDC” supports actions that threaten national security.
