Congo national dialogue suspended due C64 protest

• The national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been relaunched by President Félix Tshisekedi.
• Opposition group C64 has suspended a protest march scheduled for July 22, responding to an appeal by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu and Rev. André Bokundoa.
• The churches have launched consultations with political parties, institutional representatives, and civil society actors to foster a genuinely inclusive dialogue.
• Two key political actors, the Congo River Alliance (AFC) and Sauvons le Congo, have refused to join the national dialogue, citing concerns over its credibility in current political conditions.

The churches have launched consultations with political parties, institutional representatives, and civil society actors to foster a genuinely inclusive dialogue.

The national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been relaunched, with President Félix Tshisekedi calling for an inclusive, peaceful, and republican national dialogue. This initiative follows a meeting between the president and main religious denominations, including CENCO, ECC, ERC, and the Muslim community. The churches have launched consultations with political parties, institutional representatives, and civil society actors to foster a genuinely inclusive dialogue. However, two key political actors, the Congo River Alliance (AFC) and Sauvons le Congo, have refused to join the national dialogue, citing concerns over its credibility in current political conditions.

The opposition group C64 has suspended a protest march scheduled for July 22, responding to an appeal by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu and Rev. André Bokundoa. The two church leaders called for the march to be postponed to create a climate conducive to dialogue. Since July 18, CENCO and ECC have launched consultations aimed at fostering a genuinely inclusive dialogue.

The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to face insecurity in North and South Kivu provinces, where local and foreign armed groups remain active. The country's political landscape remains deeply polarized, with the opposition group C64 calling for the protection of the constitutional framework established under the 2006 Constitution.

The national dialogue is based on Article 64 of the Constitution, which states that every Congolese citizen has the duty to oppose any seizure or exercise of power in violation of the Fundamental Charter. The C64 Coalition for the Defence of the Constitutional Order (C64) was officially launched on May 19 with the aim of defending the constitutional framework established under the 2006 Constitution and preventing any amendment that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term or postpone elections scheduled to take place by 2028. The coalition takes its name from Article 64 of the Constitution.

The Constitutional Order Coalition C64 is an opposition platform that has been critical of the current government's actions, arguing that they are in violation of the Constitution. The coalition has given the authorities until August 15 to formally convene the inclusive national dialogue announced by President Tshisekedi.

The suspension of protests by opposition group C64 and the relaunching of the national dialogue may create a more conducive climate for negotiations, potentially leading to changes in the country's political landscape. The development of the national dialogue is crucial for business operations and investments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as it may impact the country's stability and security. Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the situation closely, as it may have significant implications for their clients' interests.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the development of the national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as it may impact business operations and investments in the country. The suspension of protests by opposition group C64 could create a more conducive climate for negotiations, potentially leading to changes in the country's political landscape.

Source: Original reporting via Agenzia Fides