President Félix Tshisekedi has declared the launch of a nationwide inclusive dialogue aimed at fostering peace and national cohesion. The announcement follows a high-level meeting with representatives of major religious denominations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), held at the Cité de l’Union africaine in Kinshasa.
The presidential communiqué emphasized that the dialogue will be conducted in a peaceful, inclusive, and republican manner, strictly aligned with the Constitution and national institutions. This initiative seeks to consolidate the country’s unity and address pressing political and security challenges.
Religious leaders endorse the initiative
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and spokesperson for the religious delegation, expressed strong support for the president’s decision. “We welcome this historic announcement and express our deep gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Republic,” he stated during a press briefing.
The cardinal highlighted that the dialogue represents a significant step toward national reconciliation and unity, particularly in the face of ongoing security threats in the eastern regions of the DRC. He attributed the instability to external interference, specifically citing Rwanda’s alleged support for armed groups in the North-Kivu and South-Kivu provinces—a claim consistently denied by Kigali.
“Our nation needs unity among its sons and daughters,” Cardinal Ambongo declared, stressing that collective strength is essential to overcoming the crisis. He added that religious leaders have accepted their role in facilitating this process, describing their mission as a “pastoral commitment.”
Key participants in the dialogue process
The meeting brought together prominent religious figures, including:
- Mgr André Bokundoa – Representative of the Church of Christ in Congo
- Archbishop Ejiba Yamampia – Leader of the Revival Church of Congo
- Sheikh Abdallah Mangala – Head of the Muslim Community
- Mgr Donatien Nshole – Spokesperson for the Catholic Church
- Pastor Éric Senga – Spokesperson for the Church of Christ in Congo
The delegation underscored the importance of collective engagement from both the ruling majority and opposition parties to ensure the dialogue’s success.
Next steps and pending details
While the president’s announcement marks a critical milestone, several key aspects of the dialogue remain to be defined. These include:
- The timeline and format of the discussions
- The participants involved
- The agenda and operational framework
- Guarantees for all stakeholders
Opposition groups have already outlined their expectations, calling for the release of political prisoners, the halt to politically motivated prosecutions, the restoration of public freedoms, and the abandonment of constitutional amendment plans prior to any negotiations.
In late June, President Tshisekedi had signaled openness to dialogue but cautioned that it should not be used to “circumvent institutions or challenge the popular will expressed in accordance with the Constitution.”
The religious leaders’ involvement is seen as a unifying force, bridging political divides and reinforcing national cohesion. A formal roadmap is expected to be published in the coming days, outlining the path forward for this ambitious initiative.
