Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has announced plans to hold a national dialogue aimed at strengthening unity as the country confronts renewed fighting by the M23 rebel movement in the east.
The initiative follows months of demands from opposition groups, which have also accused Tshisekedi of seeking to extend his time in office.
In a statement published on X, the presidency said Tshisekedi announced the dialogue on Friday after meeting representatives of the country’s major religious communities.
The talks are intended to reinforce national cohesion amid the resurgence of M23, which has seized large areas of eastern DR Congo. Congolese authorities accuse neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the rebel group.
Tshisekedi has served as president since 2019. His second term, which is constitutionally his last, is due to end in 2028. The Congolese constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms.
However, members of the president’s parliamentary majority have backed a controversial proposal that could lead to a referendum on constitutional changes, raising opposition concerns that the process could open the door to a third term.
In May, opposition parties formed a coalition to resist any attempt to amend the constitution. The opposition emerged weakened and divided from the 2023 presidential election, which Tshisekedi won by a wide margin.
The coalition has repeatedly called for an inclusive national dialogue involving government officials, opposition representatives and the country’s leading religious organisations.
Religious institutions wield considerable political and social influence in DR Congo, which has Africa’s largest Catholic population.
Tshisekedi’s announcement came after Friday’s meeting with representatives of several religious denominations, although the presidency has yet to provide details on the timetable, participants or agenda for the proposed dialogue.