Major opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo have refused to participate in political consultations initiated by President Félix Tshisekedi aimed at forming a national unity government, dismissing the effort as “a political charade.”
The boycott includes “Ensemble pour la République” led by Moise Katumbi, Martin Fayulu’s ECIDE, Matata Ponyo Mapon’s LGD, Delly Sessanga’s Envol, and former President Joseph Kabila’s FCC political family. All have aligned behind an alternative dialogue process proposed by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC).
“These ecclesiastical authorities have managed to engage with all stakeholders, including both armed and unarmed opposition,” explained Hervé Diakese, spokesperson for Ensemble pour la République. “The situation in our country no longer requires cosmetic solutions or a musical chairs game with positions to assign.”
The FCC questioned the necessity of yet another initiative when several others are underway, refusing to participate in what it characterized as an attempt “to legitimize and defend a government, rather than serve the cause of lasting peace.”
The political standoff unfolds against escalating violence in eastern Congo. Since January, M23 rebels have captured major cities including Goma and Bukavu, raising fears of regional conflict. Ceasefire talks collapsed after rebels withdrew from Angola-facilitated negotiations following European Union sanctions on their leaders.
Regional mediation efforts continue to evolve. After Angola’s president withdrew as lead mediator, southern and eastern African leaders announced plans for a panel of five former African presidents to seek peaceful resolution to the deepening crisis.