The opposition coalition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), C64, has postponed a planned demonstration in Kinshasa after President Félix Tshisekedi entrusted religious leaders with organizing a national dialogue aimed at addressing the country’s political crisis.
The protest, initially scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, was suspended following a request from hurch leaders, who had urged the opposition to delay the action to allow room for dialogue.
The decision was announced on Monday after a meeting between opposition party leaders and representatives of the country’s religious organizations.
Although the opposition signalled readiness to make a gesture towards easing tensions, C64 officials said they remained cautious about the Government’s commitment. “We need guarantees,” a C64 official said, reflecting the coalition’s continued mistrust of the authorities.
The C64 coalition has welcomed President Tshisekedi’s announcement but insisted that the proposed dialogue must address what it describes as the root causes of the country’s challenges. In a statement, the coalition said the talks should address issues including insecurity in the eastern part of the country, alleged external aggression, governance concerns, and worsening economic and social conditions.
The opposition has also issued an ultimatum to President Tshisekedi, demanding that he officially convene the dialogue before August 15.
The coalition warned that failure to meet the deadline could lead it to call for renewed peaceful civic actions to defend democracy, Constitutional order, the rule of law and the future of the nation.
The coalition has maintained that the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) should lead the dialogue process. Opposition leaders have also urged the government to avoid actions that could heighten tensions.