• Politics
• Friday, July 17, 2026 – 5:54 PM

President Félix Tshisekedi has declared the launch of a national inclusive dialogue, described as peaceful and firmly rooted in republican values, following a pivotal meeting with leaders of the country’s major religious denominations. The announcement was made through a statement from the presidency, which emphasized the dialogue’s role in strengthening national cohesion while upholding constitutional principles and institutional integrity.

The meeting, held at the Cité de l’Union africaine in Kinshasa, was attended by prominent religious figures including Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, who spoke on behalf of the delegation. The cardinal expressed the religious leaders’ full support for the initiative, stating, “We welcome this announcement with deep gratitude toward the Head of State.”

According to Cardinal Ambongo, the dialogue represents a concrete step forward in President Tshisekedi’s ongoing efforts to promote peace, national unity, and social cohesion across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He revealed that the president had committed to initiating a homegrown dialogue among Congolese citizens, with details on its structure and modalities to be determined in due course.

“Our nation requires unity among its sons and daughters,” the cardinal emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity to address the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the country, which he attributed to external interference. Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group, which controls significant territories in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. However, Kinshasa and multiple United Nations expert reports have accused Kigali of providing military backing to the movement.

The religious delegation confirmed their readiness to actively support the dialogue process, with Cardinal Ambongo declaring, “We commit to advancing this initiative as a sacred mission.” He urged both government and opposition stakeholders to participate constructively in the process.

The historic meeting brought together key religious figures, including:

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

While details of the dialogue’s framework remain under discussion, ecclesiastic sources indicate that a roadmap will be released in the coming days. This announcement follows extensive consultations addressing the country’s political and security challenges.

Earlier this month, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, then serving as Chair of the African Union, hosted representatives from the Congolese opposition and religious leaders in Bujumbura. During the gathering, he called for flexibility and a willingness to embrace dialogue as a solution to the crisis.

Cardinal Ambongo also met with Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in Brazzaville on July 9 to discuss the political and security situation in the DRC. However, key questions about the dialogue’s timeline, format, participants, agenda, and safeguards for all parties remain unresolved.

Political divisions persist, with segments of the opposition demanding the release of political prisoners, an end to what they describe as politically motivated prosecutions, the restoration of public freedoms, and a commitment to refrain from constitutional amendments before engaging in discussions.

In late June, President Tshisekedi signaled his openness to dialogue but cautioned that it must not be used as a pretext to undermine institutions or subvert the popular will expressed through constitutional processes.