DRC president unveils inclusive national dialogue led by religious leaders
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — President Félix Tshisekedi has announced plans for a comprehensive national dialogue aimed at fostering peace and unity across the nation. The initiative, described as “inclusive, peaceful and resolutely republican,” follows a high-level meeting with representatives of the country’s major religious denominations at the Cité de l’Union Africaine.
The presidential communiqué emphasized that this dialogue would strengthen national cohesion while upholding the Constitution and democratic institutions. “We welcome this bold step and express our deep gratitude to the Head of State,” stated Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, speaking on behalf of the religious delegation.
The cardinal highlighted that the initiative reflects President Tshisekedi’s commitment to peacebuilding, national unity and territorial integrity. “Our country urgently needs unity among its sons and daughters,” he asserted, particularly in addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which he attributed to external aggression.
The religious leaders have accepted their mandate to facilitate this process. “We will carry this forward as a sacred duty,” Ambongo declared, urging both ruling and opposition factions to actively participate. The meeting brought together prominent faith leaders including:
- Mgr André Bokundoa (Church of Christ in Congo)
- Archbishop Ejiba Yamampia (Revival Church of Congo)
- Sheikh Abdallah Mangala (Muslim Community)
- Mgr Donatien Nshole (Catholic Church spokesperson)
- Pastor Éric Senga (Church of Christ in Congo spokesperson)
A detailed roadmap for the dialogue is expected to be released in the coming days. This announcement comes after extensive consultations regarding the country’s political and security crisis.
Earlier in July, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, then Chair of the African Union, hosted Congolese opposition representatives and religious leaders in Bujumbura, calling for flexibility and dialogue. Cardinal Ambongo also met with Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in Brazzaville on July 9th to discuss regional security challenges.
The dialogue’s format, participants, agenda and guarantees for all stakeholders are yet to be finalized. Political divisions remain evident, with some opposition groups demanding the release of political prisoners, an end to prosecutions they consider politically motivated, restoration of public freedoms and abandonment of constitutional revision plans before any talks begin.
While President Tshisekedi has expressed openness to dialogue, he cautioned that it must not undermine state institutions or the constitutional order established through popular will.
Religious leaders following their meeting with President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.