OLIVIER KAMITATU CALLS FOR FEDERALISM TO BUILD A UNITED AND PROSPEROUS CONGO
In a bold and thought-provoking article published on Friday, April 11, Olivier Kamitatu, senior member of the opposition party Together for the Republic, has called for an inclusive national dialogue to initiate constitutional reforms aimed at transforming the Democratic Republic of Congo into a federal state.
Kamitatu argues that federalism is not only realistic but essential to building a united, peaceful, and economically balanced Congo — a country where every region would actively contribute to the nation’s shared destiny. Drawing on two decades of political experience, the former president of the National Assembly emphasized that excessive centralization has stifled development and deepened inequality despite Congo’s vast natural wealth.
According to Kamitatu, the decentralization envisioned in the 2006 Constitution has remained largely symbolic. Provinces still depend entirely on Kinshasa for budget allocations and political decisions, which he describes as “a model that disempowers local authorities and weakens the nation as a whole.”
Faced with the failure of this unitary model, Kamitatu proposes a shift toward federalism — a governance system rooted in six historical regions: Orientale, Équateur, Kongo, Kasaï, Katanga, and Kivu. In his view, such a structure would empower provinces to make decisions that directly reflect local needs while preserving national unity.
Together for the Republic spokesperson and opposition leader Moïse Katumbi has thrown his full support behind the proposal. He believes that federalism would give regions constitutional autonomy — with control over key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and local economic development — while allowing the central government to focus on defense, foreign policy, and national coordination.
“Federalism will not divide Congo,” Katumbi said. “It will unite it through shared responsibility. Our people need a system that reflects their diversity and respects their voice.”
Kamitatu also outlined a clear framework for revenue distribution under a federal system: 60% of national income retained by the region where it is generated, 30% allocated to the federal government, and 10% placed in an equalization fund to support less developed regions. He insists that this model is not a threat to national unity or a return to the secessionist tendencies of the past, but rather a consolidation of the Congolese state inspired by successful federal systems like Canada and Germany.
The proposal has sparked vigorous debate across political and civil society circles. Many view it as a daring but necessary response to Congo’s deep-rooted governance failures, especially amid the ongoing security and humanitarian crises in the east.
Hervé Diakese, also a member of Together for the Republic, welcomed Kamitatu’s initiative, describing it as “a turning point in our national reflection.” He argued that federalism would strengthen grassroots governance without undermining the republic’s integrity.
“Unitarism has failed to consolidate national unity, ensure territorial security, or promote good governance and development,” Diakese said. “The current crisis should be a moment for reflection, not denial. Federalism respects the spirit of Article 220 of our Constitution and simply expands the powers of decentralized entities.”
For many Congolese, Kamitatu’s call resonates deeply. After decades of political instability and economic centralization, the dream of a federal Congo represents more than administrative reform — it is a vision of justice, equality, and dignity for a people long denied both voice and control over their own destiny.