DRC: Félix Tshisekedi reaffirms from Gabon his desire to initiate a major national dialogue.
While in Libreville for the celebrations of the 66th anniversary of Gabon’s independence, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi reaffirmed his intention to organize a national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The head of state still needs to clarify the framework, participants, and timeline of this initiative, as its inclusivity is already a topic of debate.
SUMMARY
In front of members of the Congolese diaspora, Félix Tshisekedi presented the upcoming dialogue as a means to strengthen national cohesion. He assured that the process “will not resemble” previous dialogues held in the DRC, although he did not detail the selected modalities.
The government announced the upcoming publication of a presidential ordinance aimed at formalizing the process. This text has not yet been made public, leaving several questions about the organization of the dialogue and its interaction with existing institutions in limbo.
The participation of actors related to the conflict in the east of the country remains one of the main points of disagreement. Félix Tshisekedi currently excludes any exchange with those who, according to him, “align with Rwanda.” Meanwhile, the Congolese authorities present the dialogue as a tool aimed at building “an internal front against Rwandan aggression.”
The opposition demands a more inclusive process
The C64 opposition coalition advocates for a different approach. It has decided to resume its confrontation with the government following the expiration of its ultimatum on August 15, believing that the necessary guarantees for a credible dialogue have not been met.
Opposition figure Martin Fayulu specifically wants Corneille Nangaa to participate in the discussions. The coordinator of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which supports the M23 armed movement, Nangaa could, according to Fayulu, explain the reasons that led him to take up arms after heading the former Independent National Electoral Commission.
However, Corneille Nangaa remains committed to a military logic. The week before Félix Tshisekedi’s intervention in Libreville, he had notably mentioned Lubumbashi in the projections of his movement, according to information reported by RFI.
Therefore, the Congolese president still needs to clarify the identity of the participants and the limits of the consultation. The question of how to involve political forces and actors involved in the security crisis in the east of the country will be crucial for the significance of the announced dialogue.
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