Crisis in Kasai-Oriental: Governor and Provincial Assembly Bureau Summoned to Kinshasa

Kinshasa, October 21, 2025 - The escalating power struggle in Kasai-Oriental between Governor Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo and the provincial assembly bureau has drawn national attention. Following the suspension of a plenary session on Friday, October 31, convened to consider a motion of no confidence against the governor, the Ministry of the Interior issued a telegram dated October 30, summoning both parties to Kinshasa for urgent mediation.

At the center of the conflict is the contentious management of approximately $3 million allocated by the state for provincial development projects. Deputies are demanding accountability for the funds, while Governor Mbwebwa and his supporters accuse the assembly bureau of leveraging the issue for political purposes.

The situation turned volatile at the assembly headquarters in Mbuji-Mayi, where activists reportedly attempted to storm the building, overturning tables and breaking windows. The ministry’s intervention aims to de-escalate tensions and prevent a full-blown institutional crisis in the province.

Authorities in Kinshasa hope the mediation will restore dialogue and trust between the provincial government and elected representatives, ensuring that governance and oversight can proceed without further disruptions.