DRC President Félix Tshisekedi launches national dialogue amid opposition backlash

President Félix Tshisekedi has announced a national dialogue for peace, cohesion, and state refoundation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The process is intended to last a maximum of three months and will begin with consultations across the country’s 26 provinces before culminating in national sessions in Kinshasa. The initiative aims to address deep-seated national crises, including security issues in the east, rather than merely reacting to protests.

The proposal has drawn sharply divided reactions. The opposition coalition, Article 64 (C64), has rejected the initiative, accusing the president of using the consultations as a maneuver to change the constitution and secure a third term in office. The C64 has called for a truly inclusive national dialogue and has scheduled a national mobilization for September 15.

Conversely, several political groups and government officials have welcomed the move. The RCET-CPS and members of the UDPS expressed support, stating the dialogue should focus on national interest rather than political power-sharing. Government officials emphasized that the process would exclude armed opposition groups and would not serve as a means to overturn the sovereign electoral choices of the people or grant general amnesty for serious crimes.