Citizens Launch Petition to Dissolve Equateur Provincial Assembly

Mbandaka, February 5, 2026 - A collective of citizens, calling themselves the “Rebellious Citizens,” has launched a petition demanding the dissolution of the Equateur Provincial Assembly, intensifying political tensions in the provincial capital. Accusations of Interference and Patronage The group accuses members of the provincial assembly of paralyzing the executive branch through untimely interference and patronage practices. According to the petitioners, the deliberative body has overstepped its constitutional oversight role, interfering in the day-to-day management of the provincial government. “The members of parliament are behaving like managers. They are blocking important files and interfering in the executive branch's responsibilities. We say enough is enough; this assembly must be dissolved to allow the province to breathe,” said Papy Ekate Ekofo, spokesperson for the “Rebellious Citizens” collective. The collective has begun a large-scale signature campaign across Mbandaka, aiming for 25,000 signatures to appeal directly to President Félix Tshisekedi, the only authority empowered to order the dissolution of a provincial assembly in cases of persistent crisis. Allegations of Bribery Rumors circulating in Mbandaka suggest that some assembly members are engaged in bribery, allegedly pressuring public institutions to hire relatives, disadvantaging local talent. Assembly Responds The Equateur Provincial Assembly has rejected the petition. Rapporteur Ézéchiel Ambokani emphasized that the initiative lacks legal standing, stating: “This petition has no legal standing to dissolve our institution. The mechanisms for dissolution are strictly defined by the Constitution and do not depend on collecting signatures in the street.” Implications for Governance Observers warn that this standoff comes at a time when Équateur Province is struggling with infrastructure and social development. If unresolved, the conflict between citizens and elected officials could further weaken state authority in the region.