DR Congo opposition rejects Tshisekedi dialogue offer

A coalition of main DR Congo opposition groups on Friday rejected President Felix Tshisekedi's offer of a national dialogue aimed at reconciling the conflict-hit country.

The Article 64 coalition said it “categorically opposes and strongly rejects” public consultations initiated by Tshisekedi in place of what it called an inclusive national dialogue.

The opposition accused Tshisekedi of using the process to support efforts that could allow him to seek a third term. Tshisekedi was elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. The current constitution limits presidents to two terms.

Tshisekedi said Thursday that the M23 armed group would not join the talks, and that a peace accord signed in Washington in December was the proper framework for dealing with the group. The accord has not ended fighting.

Some opposition forces have demanded that any dialogue include M23 representatives and supporters of former president Joseph Kabila, who was condemned to death in absentia a year ago for “complicity” with the armed group.

Tshisekedi has urged political leaders to renounce hate speech and called for compromise. The Article 64 coalition confirmed Friday that it had rescheduled a protest against the constitutional amendment for September 15.