DRC: President Tshisekedi announces national address on political dialogue

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has announced an upcoming address to the nation focused on political dialogue, made during his working visit to Gabon. This announcement is a significant development in the Democratic Republic of Congo's political landscape, which is currently marked by discussions surrounding a potential constitutional revision.

While in Libreville, where he signed cooperation agreements with Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Tshisekedi emphasized that the planned dialogue would differ from previous ones held in the country. The Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP) highlighted the objective of fostering national peace and cohesion through this initiative.

The announcement has been widely covered by Congolese media, with outlets like Actualité.cd reporting Tshisekedi's assertion that "This dialogue will be different from all the dialogues this country has known." Meanwhile, 7sur7.cd and Le Phare are focusing on the regional context and the strengthening of bilateral consultation between Kinshasa and Libreville.

Behind the scenes, efforts are underway to define the format and timeline for this "National Dialogue for Peace, Cohesion, and the Refoundation of the State." However, religious bodies, including CENCO and ECC, have already expressed reservations about the proposed format. Simultaneously, the opposition coalition, Coalition Article 64 (C64), is mobilizing for a peaceful march on September 15, the day parliament resumes, to oppose any constitutional changes. Media outlets such as Le Potentiel.cd and 7sur7.cd are reporting on these opposing political currents.