Félix Tshisekedi advances plans for DRC national dialogue

President Félix Tshisekedi is advancing plans for a national dialogue aimed at strengthening peace, national cohesion, and state reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On August 8, the President met with various political, religious, and institutional figures to define the framework for the initiative, titled ‘National Dialogue for Peace, Cohesion, and the Refoundation of the State’.

A restricted commission is currently working on the preparatory mechanisms for the process. The proposed structure includes a steering committee and a preparatory commission where religious groups would play a central role, potentially supported by an international mediator.

However, the proposed format has met with reservations from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). These religious bodies have been advocating for a national consensus through their own social pact for peace. Discussions also continue regarding the potential role of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the country's cycle of violence and ensure lasting peace.