Amanze Chinonye
Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has announced a national dialogue aimed at easing political tensions, as opposition to proposed constitutional reforms grows ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
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The dialogue will begin with consultations across the country’s 26 provinces before culminating in national talks in Kinshasa, Tshisekedi said in an address broadcast on state television late on Thursday.
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The process will bring together political parties, civil society organisations, religious leaders, traditional authorities, business representatives, academics, youth and women’s organisations, as well as members of the Congolese diaspora.
Armed groups and people acting on behalf of foreign powers will be excluded, Tshisekedi said, ruling out participation by the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels, who control large areas of eastern Congo.
The president said the dates and terms of the dialogue would be announced later and that the process would last no more than three months.
The initiative comes amid rising political tensions over a constitutional reform bill adopted in June that would allow proposed amendments to be submitted to a referendum.
Tshisekedi’s supporters have advocated constitutional changes that could allow him to seek another term. The president said earlier this year that he would accept another mandate if that was the will of the Congolese people.
Under the current constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms. Tshisekedi was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, meaning his current mandate is due to end in 2028.
The proposed reforms have drawn criticism from opposition groups and the influential Catholic Church, which has raised concerns about changes that could weaken constitutional safeguards and democratic institutions. An opposition protest in June was violently dispersed.
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Opposition groups have called for a broader dialogue that would include representatives of rebel groups, as well as supporters of former President Joseph Kabila, who has become an increasingly prominent critic of Tshisekedi’s administration.
The dialogue will take place against a backdrop of persistent insecurity in eastern Congo, where AFC/M23 rebels have seized substantial territory amid a prolonged conflict involving government forces and regional actors.
The political dispute and security crisis present additional challenges for Tshisekedi’s government as it seeks to maintain stability in the mineral-rich country ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
The credibility of the dialogue is likely to hinge on whether the government and opposition can agree on an inclusive process and whether it can ease concerns that constitutional reform could be used to extend Tshisekedi’s tenure.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
