Democratic Republic of Congo: Félix Tshisekedi Launches National Dialogue Without Rebels

Yesterday 08:23

In response to rising political tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi has announced a broad national consultation aimed at easing the climate in the country. The process is set to involve political parties, civil society, and various segments of the population, but armed groups are excluded. This decision could fuel criticism from the opposition as the debate over potential constitutional reform intensifies.

A Two-Phase Consultation

The Congolese president aims to initiate a new political phase.

In a speech broadcast on national television Thursday evening, Félix Tshisekedi announced the establishment of a dialogue intended to reduce the tensions that permeate the country. The process will begin with consultations organized in the 26 provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo before concluding with national discussions in Kinshasa.

The specific timeline and practical modalities are yet to be communicated. However, the head of state has set a limit: the entire process should not exceed three months.

This initiative comes at a particularly sensitive political moment, notably marked by the debate over a potential amendment to the Constitution.

Armed Groups Excluded from Discussions

One of the main features of the project lies in the list of participants.

Félix Tshisekedi wishes to gather around the table political parties, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, representatives from the economic world, academics, as well as youth and women's organizations. Congolese living abroad should also be involved in the consultations.

In contrast, armed groups and individuals acting, according to the president, on behalf of foreign powers will not be able to participate.

This exclusion particularly targets the AFC/M23, a rebel movement allegedly supported by Rwanda that controls significant portions of territory in the eastern part of the country.

The presidential choice risks becoming one of the main points of friction surrounding the future dialogue.

The Constitutional Question at the Heart of Tensions

Behind this initiative lies an increasingly sensitive political debate.

A law adopted in June opens the possibility of submitting certain constitutional amendments to a referendum. Supporters of Félix Tshisekedi openly defend the idea of a reform that could allow him to seek another term.

The Congolese Constitution currently limits the president to two five-year terms. Félix Tshisekedi was first elected in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023. His current term is theoretically set to end in 2028.

The head of state had already stated earlier this year that he would accept running again if the Congolese wished it.

This prospect has fueled concerns among the opposition and several influential actors in Congolese society for several months.

The Catholic Church and Opposition Contest the Project

The prospect of constitutional reform has notably sparked opposition from the Catholic Church, which is particularly influential in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as from several political parties.

A protest organized in June against the reform project was violently dispersed by security forces.

Opponents of the government are now calling for a process they deem more inclusive. They particularly wish for discussions to include rebel groups as well as supporters of former president Joseph Kabila.

The announced exclusion of armed groups could therefore complicate the search for a national consensus, especially in a country where political and security issues remain closely linked.

A Dialogue Launched Amid Multiple Crises

The future dialogue will not take place in a peaceful environment.

In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the security situation remains fragile, with vast territories under the control of armed groups. This crisis is now compounded by another urgent issue: an Ebola outbreak that is spreading rapidly in the country.

The government will therefore have to conduct its political process while facing major security and health challenges.

A High-Risk Political Gamble

By announcing this dialogue, Félix Tshisekedi seeks to regain the initiative in the face of growing dissent regarding the institutional future of the country.

The announced consultation can provide a space for discussion among the various components of Congolese society. However, its success will largely depend on its ability to convince the opposition and civil society of the process's neutrality.

The absence of armed groups is already a subject of controversy, while the debate over a potential third term places the presidency under increasing political pressure.

The dialogue envisioned by Félix Tshisekedi could thus become either an instrument of de-escalation or a new battleground for political confrontation.