President Félix Tshisekedi has announced the upcoming launch of a comprehensive and truly republican national dialogue. This pivotal declaration was made on Friday, following a significant meeting with representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s principal religious denominations.

During a press briefing held after this announcement, the government spokesperson indicated that a presidential executive order would be issued to establish the framework, procedures, and specific arrangements for this national dialogue. Such a dialogue has been a long-standing demand from a substantial segment of the Congolese socio-political class.

“The President of the Republic, acting as the guarantor of the nation under Article 69 of the Constitution, will, in the coming days, issue an executive order detailing the terms and organization of this dialogue. I reiterate that he himself will oversee the execution of this dialogue, naturally including tasks assigned to religious leaders, to explore how to build this cohesion by bringing together Congolese men and women from all regions who, like us, are driven by the desire to end aggression and ensure our country’s national unity,” stated Patrick Muyaya.

This development, marked by President Tshisekedi’s firm commitment to convening a national dialogue, unfolds within a complex sociopolitical landscape. The nation seeks consensus amidst the enduring security crisis in Eastern DRC, where Kinshasa continues to accuse Rwanda of backing the AFC/M23 rebellion. Furthermore, the initiative emerges amid pronounced disagreements surrounding a potential constitutional reform. Opposition groups allege that the ruling majority intends to amend the Constitution to enable President Félix Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond the legally stipulated two-term limit, accusations the government vehemently denies.

This new political phase also comes as ongoing diplomatic efforts have struggled to yield tangible results. Both the Washington accords, brokered under the auspices of the United States to foster rapprochement between Kinshasa and Kigali, and the Doha process, mediated by Qatar between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebellion, have yet to significantly improve the situation on the ground. Despite numerous meetings and the dedicated efforts of mediators, hostilities and tensions persist, with all parties continuing to accuse each other of violating peace commitments.

This crucial step was also preceded by a series of regional consultations, notably in Burundi, the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), and Angola. Through these exchanges, various heads of state expressed their willingness to engage and assist the Democratic Republic of Congo in overcoming its current impasse. They underscored the indispensable need to preserve national unity to collectively address the challenges of national development and uphold the territorial integrity of the DRC.