Over the weekend, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi raised the prospect of a future national dialogue, amid ongoing violence in the eastern part of the country. The proposal is already sparking reactions and debate regarding its scope, conditions, and potential participants.

The head of state was firm: there will be no questioning of judicial decisions or of his regime. He also ruled out the participation of individuals responsible for crimes committed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. If such a dialogue occurs, it must take place on Congolese soil and under institutional control — a clear assertion of authority over the process.

The Catholic Church, which has expressed readiness to mediate alongside other religious groups, is calling for more flexibility. Monsignor Donatien Cholet, Secretary General of the Congolese Episcopal Conference, played down the initial positions: “There’s no need to dramatize. Dialogues often begin with firm stances. What matters is genuine political will.”

Within the opposition, mistrust remains high. Martin Fayulu’s camp criticizes the lack of clarity surrounding the framework, actors, and objectives of the dialogue. Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, emphasized: “What’s important is to reclaim occupied territories, restore unity and cohesion, and implement electoral reforms for credible general elections in 2028.” In his view, “if this dialogue turns into a monologue, it becomes part of the problem.”

Meanwhile, Kinshasa and M23 rebels resumed talks on Sunday in Doha, under Qatari mediation, raising new questions about the timeline and coordination of these parallel processes.