Federalism Debate: CDER Warns Against a “Dangerous Drift” Amid Crisis

Kinshasa - The Current of Renewed Democrats (CDER), led by Jean-Lucien Bussa, has raised concerns over the resurgence of the federalism debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently reignited by former Speaker of the National Assembly Olivier Kamitatu.

In a statement published on December 1, 2025, the CDER described the debate as “inopportune” given the ongoing security crisis, identity-based tensions, and the looming risk of balkanization.

The movement stressed that national unity must remain the priority, citing the partial failure of decentralization, which has at times been exploited for ethnic or regional interests. Steering the country toward federalism, the CDER warned, would constitute a “historical and moral crime.”

The party called on the political class to act responsibly, urging leaders to focus on security, national cohesion, and the well-being of citizens rather than engaging in debates likely to fuel internal divisions.