President Tshisekedi launches inclusive national dialogue in DRC

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — President Félix Tshisekedi has announced plans for a comprehensive national dialogue aimed at fostering peace and national cohesion. The initiative, described as “inclusive, peaceful and resolutely republican,” will be accompanied by religious leaders from across the country, according to an official statement from the presidency.

The dialogue aims to consolidate national unity while respecting the country’s institutions and constitutional framework. It follows a high-level meeting at the Cité de l’Union africaine in Kinshasa, where Tshisekedi met with representatives of major religious denominations.

Religious leaders endorse the initiative

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and spokesman for the religious delegation, expressed his satisfaction with the announcement. “We welcome this initiative and express our gratitude to the Head of State,” he stated, emphasizing that the dialogue reflects Tshisekedi’s commitment to peace, national cohesion, and national unity.

Ambongo highlighted the urgent need for national unity to address the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC, which he attributed to external interference. “Our country needs communion among its sons and daughters,” he declared, adding that unity is essential to counter the challenges posed by the conflict in the North-Kivu and South-Kivu provinces.

Key objectives and next steps

The dialogue, described as a “conversation among Congolese sons and daughters,” will have its conditions and modalities clarified in due course. Religious leaders have accepted the mission entrusted to them by the president to facilitate this process.

Ambongo stressed the importance of all political stakeholders—both from the majority and opposition—engaging in the dialogue. “We commit to carrying this forward as an apostolate,” he said, calling for a collective effort to restore stability and peace.

The meeting brought together prominent religious figures, including:

• Mgr André Bokundoa, representing the Church of Christ in Congo;
• Archbishop Ejiba Yamampia, of the Revival Church of Congo;
• Sheikh Abdallah Mangala, representing the Muslim community;
• Mgr Donatien Nshole, spokesman for the Catholic Church;
• Pastor Éric Senga, spokesman for the Church of Christ in Congo.

A roadmap for the dialogue is expected to be published in the coming days. This announcement follows extensive consultations on the political and security crisis in the DRC.

Regional and international context

Earlier this month, President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, then-chair of the African Union, hosted representatives of the Congolese opposition and religious leaders in Bujumbura. He urged flexibility and acceptance of the dialogue principle. Additionally, Cardinal Ambongo met with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville on July 9 to discuss the political and security situation in the DRC.

Challenges ahead

While the initiative has been welcomed, details such as the date, format, participants, agenda, and guarantees for all parties remain to be clarified. Political positions remain divided, with some opposition factions demanding the release of political prisoners, an end to what they consider politically motivated prosecutions, the restoration of public freedoms, and a halt to any constitutional amendment projects before discussions begin.

In late June, Tshisekedi expressed openness to dialogue but warned that it should not be used to bypass institutions or undermine the popular will expressed in accordance with the Constitution.