Congo unveils national dialogue plan, excludes rebels from talks
DRC President Tshisekedi proposes a three-month national dialogue to address political tensions, but rules out participation by armed groups and foreign-backed rebels.
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has announced plans for a national dialogue aimed at defusing political tensions that have escalated over a controversial constitutional reform bill.
In an address broadcast on state television late Thursday, Tshisekedi said the process would begin with consultations across the country's 26 provinces, culminating in national talks in the capital, Kinshasa. The entire exercise is expected to last no more than three months, with specific dates and conditions to be announced later.
The president was explicit about who would not be welcome at the table. Armed groups and entities acting on behalf of foreign powers would be barred from participation, with Tshisekedi specifically ruling out the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels who control large parts of eastern Congo.
Those invited to take part include political parties, civil society organisations, religious leaders, traditional authorities, business representatives, academics, youth and women's groups, and members of the Congolese diaspora.
The dialogue comes amid rising political friction over a bill adopted in June that would allow constitutional changes to be put to a referendum. Critics argue the move could enable Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office. Congo's constitution currently limits presidents to two five-year terms; Tshisekedi was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, with his current mandate ending in 2028.
Supporters of the president have openly called for constitutional reforms to permit another run, and Tshisekedi has said he would accept another mandate if the Congolese people wanted it.
The reform plans have drawn sharp criticism from the powerful Catholic Church and opposition parties. An opposition protest in June was violently dispersed. Critics have called for a more inclusive dialogue that would allow rebel groups and supporters of former President Joseph Kabila to participate.
The talks will unfold against a backdrop of fragile security in the east and a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak, adding urgency to efforts to stabilise the country.