Félix Tshisekedi announces upcoming national dialogue for DRC

President Félix Tshisekedi has announced plans to address the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the coming days to outline the framework for a new inclusive national dialogue. Speaking to the Congolese diaspora in Libreville, Gabon, Tshisekedi emphasized that the dialogue is intended to foster national cohesion and unity, stating, “To develop a country like Congo, there must be national cohesion. We cannot lead this country in division.”

The President asserted that this upcoming process will be distinct from previous political dialogues held in the country. However, specific details regarding the timeline and formal organization remain unconfirmed, as a previously expected presidential ordinance has not yet been released.

The initiative comes amid significant security crises in the eastern DRC and heightened political tensions. While the government presents the dialogue as a means to build an “internal front” against Rwandan aggression, Tshisekedi has indicated he will not engage with those who side with Rwanda. Meanwhile, the opposition coalition C64 has expressed skepticism, demanding further guarantees, while some figures have called for the inclusion of armed rebel leaders in the discussions.