Political Movement for Unity (PMU) Begins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

“The Political Movement for Unity has begun in Kinshasa!” With these words Deputy Upira Dieudonné concluded the first meeting of the Political Movement for Unity (PMU) in Kinshasa on Saturday, October 29, 2016.

They write: “The current political situation in the RDC is fragile. There are strong political and social tensions. A few months ago, there were violent clashes in which some people died. The powers that be and the opposition sometimes become radicalized.”

So how did we reach this day, one could ask. “It was after attending the conference in Rome last June with politicians from around the world. Deputy Dieudonné Upira, national deputy from the opposition in the DRC, and Madam Gorgine Madiko, Honorary Deputy and Member of the National Assembly Office decided to try something in their country.”

When they returned from Rome, they deepened their friendship and shared their differing opinions with one another. Now, they dream of forming young people to be leaders in politics. As they said: it’s a matter of “training in the real politics, the politics that is based on values.”

Their conversations have convinced them that the first step in such an undertaking in Kingshasa, would be to launch the Political Movement for Unity. “This would allow networking people who are working in the field of politics, to do good through politics,” they suggested.

As they organized the event they were also wondering: “Will the people that have been invited have the courage to show up?” Their uncertainty grew as torrential rain began to pour down on Kinshasa on the day of the meeting. Because of the bad road conditions and the poor state of the public transport, most people stay home when it rains! Nevertheless, thirty people responded to their invitation. Among them were deputies and politicians, students, members of citizen movements, lawyers and journalists.

The debate provided a platform for deep listening and discussion. “We heard things like: ‘We want to stay in touch with you and have more frequent discussions;’ ‘In front of the loss of values, we need to work at installing positive values in our education system, to train people that can be political leaders tomorrow;’ ‘I feel that if I don’t do something, God will ask me what I did with all that he gave to me;’ ‘We’re young and we expect to learn from our elders. Don’t forget about us’.” Their words reflected the thoughts of the organizers and made the moment of sharing into a sacred moment.

During her concluding remarks, Madam Georgina Madiko insisted: “Through our actions we have to be a light in the dark world. We have to show by example. And to those who are surprised by us and ask whether we are doing politics or religion, we’ll answer that politics without values is the ruin of the Nation.”

Before leaving one participant suggested: “We should forget about our titles, stay in touch with each other, even if it’s only to ask how we’re doing. I would like each one of us to go home with a list of the participants so that we can all stay in touch with one another.”

The next appointment is December 3, 2016.

Gustavo Clariá