Following discussions with a group of religious leaders from the country, President Felix Tshisekedi has announced plans to convene an inclusive national dialogue aimed at strengthening national cohesion, promoting peace, and reinforcing respect for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s constitutional order.

Held on Friday, 17 July 2026, at the African Union headquarters, the attendees included Mgr André Bokundoa of the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), Archbishop Ejiba Yamampia of the Congo Awakening Church (ERC), Sheikh Abdallah Mangala representing the Muslim Community, Mgr Donatien Nshole, spokesperson for the Catholic Church, and Pastor Éric Senga, spokesperson for the ECC.

According to media reports, the initiative aims to bring together key national stakeholders for a dialogue that consolidates unity while upholding the country’s institutions and Constitution. “The proposed dialogue comes at a pivotal moment for the DRC as the country continues to navigate security challenges in its eastern provinces, political reforms and efforts to consolidate national stability following recent regional peace initiatives.” In parts of the country, several territories remain under the control of the AFC/M23 rebels, while the Ebola virus has wreaked havoc and led to an aggravated humanitarian crisis.

According to ACI Africa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, spokesman for the delegation, links the call for dialogue to the country’s ongoing security crisis, saying national cohesion is indispensable if the DRC is to confront the violence affecting its Eastern regions. “Our country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, needs communion between the sons and daughters of Congo; unity, communion, to be solid, to be strong.”

So that all the sons and daughters of Congo can finally live in peace, so that the motives of aggression against our country will also be removed.

-Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo

In addition to the meetings with clergy, President Tshisekedi, has also recently met with the Presidents of Burundi and the Republic of the Congo. Cardinal Ambongo supports the initative for far-reaching discussion and collaboration. He urges both the governing majority and the opposition to embrace the initiative, insisting that national reconciliation requires the participation of all Congolese. “After the President has raised this option… it is up to all of us, those who are in power, just like those who are in the opposition, to join this dynamic so that this initiative can move forward and bear fruit.”