Lambert Mende on DRC National Dialogue and Inclusion of M23 Groups

Former government spokesperson Lambert Mende said President Félix Tshisekedi has not excluded the AFC/M23 movement or the "Sauvons la RDC" group from the national dialogue, but has set a condition for their participation. He explained that the condition requires the groups to "break with Kigali" and cease attacks on Congolese civilians, warning that those who do not make such a gesture will be excluded from negotiations.

Mende also described a “generally shared relief” among political actors after the president announced the dialogue. He noted earlier scepticism on both opposition and majority sides, but said the president’s authority helped forge a broad consensus aimed at strengthening the nation against what Mende calls persistent Rwandan aggression. He stressed the importance of national unity to defend the country's resources and people.