Congolese politician Lambert Mende opposes 'accomplices of aggressor' in national dialogue

Lambert Mende Omalanga, a prominent Congolese politician and national deputy, has voiced strong opposition to the participation of certain actors in any potential national dialogue within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mende, who also coordinates the Convention des Congolais Unis (CCU), specifically targets individuals he describes as "accomplices of the aggressor," arguing their inclusion would be a grave error.

Speaking at a political gathering in Kinshasa, Mende elaborated on his stance, emphasizing that individuals implicated with what he termed "Rwandan occupation forces" or those subject to international sanctions should be barred from peace talks. "The idea of opening dialogue to people duly convicted by justice or sanctioned by the international community for coalition with the aggressor is not acceptable, because the same causes will produce the same effects," Mende declared.

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The idea of opening dialogue to people duly convicted by justice or sanctioned by the international community for coalition with the aggressor is not acceptable, because the same causes will produce the same effects.

The CCU president further stipulated that members of armed groups operating alongside the "Rwandan aggressor" should also be excluded from consultations unless they formally distance themselves from these movements. He asserted that both categories of individuals should be ineligible "intuitu personae," meaning on a personal basis.

The debate over who should participate in a national dialogue remains a central issue in Congolese politics, particularly amid the ongoing security crisis in the eastern part of the country. Mende's firm position underscores the deep divisions and mistrust that complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.

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The two categories should be ineligible intuitu personae, that is to say, in their personal capacity.