In a solemn video address released on 2 June 2025, Congolese opposition leader Martin Fayulu sounded the alarm over what he described as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) darkest hour, warning of a looming threat of “balkanisation” — a fragmentation of the State feared since independence in 1960.
Fayulu issued what he called an “appeal to responsibility,” directing his message to key political figures he believes are contributing to the nation’s deepening instability: Corneille Nangaa, Joseph Kabila, and President Félix Tshisekedi.
Fayulu criticized Corneille Nangaa, leader of the armed coalition AFC/M23, accusing him of complicity in ongoing massacres and asserting that no political ambition justifies the suffering inflicted on the Congolese people. He also challenged former president Kabila over his recent presence in the eastern city of Goma, viewing it as a tacit alliance with forces undermining the country’s territorial integrity. “The only road to redemption is dialogue, not collusion,” Fayulu cautioned, reaffirming his stance against violent or divisive political manoeuvres.
To President Tshisekedi, Fayulu extended a hand — not for favour, but for frank dialogue — imploring him not to let their generation preside over the disintegration of the nation. His call for unity and accountability has been received with mixed reactions: while the government welcomed the gesture as patriotic, rivals within the opposition such as Moïse Katumbi’s camp criticized what they saw as a shift towards a more conciliatory stance. Fayulu also voiced his support for the church-led initiative to organize a national forum, in hopes of reigniting momentum for a unified, peaceful resolution to the crisis.