Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — In a strongly worded television appearance that has begun circulating on social media, prominent opposition politician Mike Mukebayi sharply criticized President Félix Tshisekedi’s government, accusing it of sliding into dictatorship amid ongoing controversies surrounding the case of fellow opposition activist Jacky Ndala.
The remarks come in a clip from the Congolese talk show Le Réveil Africain, aired on Saturday, April 25, 2026. In the studio discussion, Mukebayi — dressed in a light suit — gestures emphatically while addressing the host, warning of documented abuses that he says will one day be held to account once the current regime leaves power.
“These cases are documented,” Mukebayi states in the interview, according to the caption accompanying the widely shared X post. “One day after this power [is gone], he [Tshisekedi] will face it — he will not escape.” The opposition leader also expressed support for “Parole Kamizelo,” a reference that appears to signal solidarity with another voice critical of the government.
The video, originally posted by X user @GramicN (GramicLEGRAND), a Congolese opinion journalist, carries the headline: “Dossier Jacky Ndala: The opponent Mike Mukebayi raises his voice and denounces the authoritarian, dictatorial drift of the Tshisekedi regime.” Within hours, the clip had garnered hundreds of views and sparked discussion among Congolese political observers.
Background on the “Dossier Jacky Ndala”
Jacky Ndala (also known as Jacky Ndala Mpoyi), a vocal government critic, has been a focal point of political tension in the DRC. He was previously imprisoned on accusations of maintaining links with the M23/AFC rebel coalition — charges his supporters dismiss as politically motivated. Ndala received provisional release in October 2025 on health grounds, yet his case remains active. Reports indicate that authorities conducted a search of his residence as recently as March 10, 2026.
Mukebayi, himself no stranger to government scrutiny, was arrested in prior years alongside other opposition figures on charges including “insulting the head of state.” He was released from Makala prison in March 2025.
Analysts say Mukebayi’s latest intervention reflects growing frustration within opposition circles over what they describe as selective justice and the use of security services against critics. The timing coincides with continued debates in Congolese politics about constitutional changes and the balance of power ahead of future elections.
Reactions and Context
The X post framing the video highlights Mukebayi’s message as both a warning and a call for accountability. Supporters of the opposition have praised his bluntness, while the clip’s rapid spread underscores the role of social media in amplifying dissenting voices in the DRC.
President Tshisekedi’s administration has not yet issued a direct response to Mukebayi’s statements in the broadcast. Government officials have previously defended legal actions against figures like Ndala as necessary to protect national security.
The full episode of Le Réveil Africain featuring Mukebayi continues to draw attention as Congolese citizens follow developments in the Jacky Ndala dossier and broader questions of democratic space in the country.
