DR Congo President Seeks Dialogue Amid Reform Dispute

Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has announced a national dialogue plan to reduce growing political tensions over proposed constitutional reforms, which critics fear could enable him to run for a third term.

Tshisekedi said that the process would begin with consultations across the country’s 26 provinces before culminating in national talks in the capital, Kinshasa.

He said the dialogue would bring together political parties, civil society Organisations, religious and traditional leaders, business representatives, academics, youth and women’s groups, and members of the Congolese diaspora.

However, armed groups and individuals acting on behalf of foreign powers would be excluded from the process, effectively ruling out the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels who control large areas of eastern Congo.

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Mr Tshisekedi said the dates and conditions for the dialogue would be announced later, adding that the process would last no more than three months.

Political tensions have intensified following the adoption of a bill in June that would allow proposed constitutional changes to be submitted to a referendum.

Supporters of the president have openly advocated constitutional reforms that could enable him to seek another term.

Tshisekedi said earlier this year that he would accept another mandate if the Congolese people wanted him to continue in office.

The Congolese constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms.

Tshisekedi was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, with his current term set to end in 2028.

The proposed reforms have faced opposition from the Catholic Church and opposition parties, while an opposition protest in June was violently dispersed.

Opposition groups have demanded an inclusive dialogue that would also allow rebel groups and supporters of former President Joseph Kabila to participate.

The planned talks come as the country faces a fragile security situation in the east and a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak.