In Kinshasa, as in the rest of the country, several actors are clashing over the holding of a political dialogue. While some argue that it is an opportunity, others see it as a snub to share power.

“The priority today is first and foremost to restore the integrity of the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo and peace. I think that once we have put an end to this aggression, only then will we be able to talk to each other (in the context of a dialogue),” says Dr Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize winner and candidate in the last elections in 2023.

The Framework for Consultation between Political and Social Forces believes that dialogue must take place, but not with Félix Tshisekedi as the sole decision-maker, as he is one of the architects of the current crisis.

“It is not for the President of the Republic, who is a party to the conflict and a central player in the current crisis, to decide unilaterally on the venue, the organizational arrangements, participation, conduct or scope of the national dialogue debates,” the organization believes.

“The Framework for Consultation between Political and Social Forces reaffirms its commitment to a truly inclusive political dialogue, mediated by a neutral, credible and independent party, as proposed by the ECC-CENCO Joint Mission and validated by the African Union,” said a press release published by this political organization close to the opposition.

Mgr Donatien Nshole, spokesperson for the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, believes that the dialogue must bring together actors from all over, and especially from outside the country. “The inclusive dialogue must take place outside the country, for security reasons,” he said on a Kinshasa radio station.

Josué is an activist with Lucha. For him, dialogue should not be used to strengthen those who have committed crimes. “While dialogue is an essential tool for national cohesion, it must not under any circumstances become a platform for impunity where the executioners of yesterday and today buy political virginity on the backs of their victims,” he says.

“The country cannot be satisfied with a mere ‘facade of dialogue’ that would exclude key players and perpetuate a precarious balance between peace and impunity,” says Ensemble pour la République, Moise Katumbi’s political party.

Wait and see.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma