Officials and activists of the Alliance of Democratic Forces of Congo (AFDC), led by former Senate President Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, were arrested on Friday, May 9, 2026, in Kinshasa. According to a statement from the party, these arrests took place at Beach Ngobila, where five members, including national vice-president Jean-Pierre Nsimba Kasongo, were taken to the military residence of the head of state, located in the African Union City.

National deputy Yan Nsana Zola confirmed this information on social media, indicating that the arrests were ordered by the Prime Minister and executed by the Congolese national police. He also denounced the excessive use of force during the operation.

The circumstances surrounding these arrests remain unclear. According to unconfirmed sources, they may be linked to rising political tensions in the country, as the AFDC regularly criticizes the actions of the current government.

LE JOURNAL.AFRICA previously reported on protests organized by AFDC-A that were suppressed by law enforcement. In August 2019, a peaceful march was interrupted in the Congolese capital, illustrating the ongoing tensions between the party and the government.

Provincial deputies of AFDC-A have also recently been urged not to obstruct the actions of governors, reflecting a complex political dynamic within the Congolese landscape. This situation could exacerbate existing divisions among the various political parties in the DRC.

Reactions to these arrests were swift. AFDC activists expressed their outrage on social media, calling for mobilization to demand the release of their comrades. The situation remains tense in the capital, with a growing climate of political uncertainty.

As the country prepares for future elections, these events highlight the challenges facing democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The arrests of opposition party members could have significant repercussions on the political and social climate in the coming weeks.