Kamitatu accuses Tshisekedi of monarchical tendencies like Louis XIV

Olivier Kamitatu, Chief of Staff to Moïse Katumbi, has launched a scathing critique of Félix Tshisekedi’s leadership style, comparing it to that of Louis XIV, the French monarch renowned for absolute rule with an entourage of courtiers and sycophants. Speaking during a live broadcast hosted by journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, Kamitatu expressed deep concerns about what he perceives as a dangerous drift in governance.

The remarks came amid growing political tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where opposition figures and civil society groups have increasingly questioned the government’s approach to national leadership. Kamitatu emphasized that the current administration appears to prioritize personal ambition over constitutional principles and collective national interests.

Constitutional safeguards under threat, warns Kamitatu

Drawing a parallel with the Greek hero Ulysses, who had himself tied to the mast of his ship to resist the seductive songs of the sirens, Kamitatu argued that the Constitution of the DRC serves as a crucial safeguard against the whims of power. He stressed that the foundational text is designed to protect the nation from short-term passions and individual agendas, particularly those that could undermine minority rights or compromise the interests of future generations.

« All the rules enshrined in the Constitution must transcend the fleeting passions of the moment, » he declared, urging respect for the legal framework that emerged from the Sun City Agreement—the peace accord that laid the groundwork for the DRC’s post-conflict reconstruction.

The Constitution, he insisted, is not an instrument to be wielded by the majority to suppress dissent. Instead, it is a binding pact that ensures inclusivity and prevents the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or faction.

Implications for democratic governance in the DRC

Kamitatu’s statements reflect broader anxieties about the direction of governance in the DRC, where political observers have noted a centralization of authority under President Tshisekedi’s administration. Critics argue that recent policy decisions and political maneuvers have raised questions about the government’s commitment to democratic pluralism and institutional checks and balances.

The timing of Kamitatu’s remarks is significant, coming at a moment when the DRC is grappling with multiple challenges, including security threats in the east, economic instability, and public discontent over governance issues. His comparison of Tshisekedi to Louis XIV—a figure synonymous with unchecked absolutism—highlights the urgency of addressing these concerns before they erode public trust in democratic institutions.

The debate over leadership style and constitutional adherence is likely to intensify in the coming months, particularly as the country approaches key political milestones. Kamitatu’s intervention underscores the importance of dialogue and reform to ensure that governance in the DRC remains rooted in the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

Caption: Muhindo Nzangi (left) and Félix Tshisekedi (right) during the launch of the 2025-2026 agricultural campaign.