DR Congo President Sets Conditions for National Dialogue

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has repeated his support for peaceful and inclusive talks among all Congolese people. However, he says certain conditions must be met before a national dialogue can take place.

The President made these remarks in his New Year address to foreign diplomats in Kinshasa on Saturday. He said that national unity is now more important than ever for the country.

His comments come at a time when fighting continues in eastern Congo between the national army and the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda. The conflict has caused many deaths and forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

Some opposition parties have called for an inter-Congolese national dialogue to help solve the country’s political and security problems. The idea has also been supported by Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been pushing for talks between Congolese groups.

However, President Tshisekedi said the dialogue must follow clear rules. First, he said the talks must take place inside Congo and be led by the country’s official institutions. He stressed that the process should not be controlled from outside the country.

Second, Tshisekedi said the dialogue must not question his legitimacy or the legitimacy of other leaders who were elected by the people. Some opposition groups are still challenging the results of the last election and criticising how the country is being run.

Third, he said the dialogue must not try to cancel or change court decisions that have already been made.

“Justice will continue to work in a serious and fair way,” the President said. “We must respect the law and honour those who have suffered unjustly because of violence.”

His statement also comes after former President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia in September by a military court. The court found him guilty of war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity. The case is linked to accusations that Kabila supported the M23 rebels in eastern Congo. Kabila has denied all the charges.

President Tshisekedi said that the year 2026 will be very important for the future of the DRC. He said the government will focus on improving security in the east, restoring state authority, speeding up reforms, growing the economy, and strengthening national unity.

He added that only through unity and respect for the law can Congo move forward in peace and development.