World
DRC: Tshisekedi announces a three-month national dialogue excluding M23
The Congolese president has launched a three-month national dialogue, excluding the M23, during an official address.
On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, officially launched a national dialogue set to last a maximum of three months. This dialogue process, titled "National Dialogue for Peace, Cohesion, and the Refoundation of the State," will begin with consultations across the 26 provinces of the country before moving on to national meetings in Kinshasa.
Participants in this dialogue will include representatives from the majority, opposition, civil society, and religious groups, as well as various segments of the population. However, Félix Tshisekedi made it clear that those who continue to fight with arms, including the M23 movement, would be excluded from this framework.
In his speech, Tshisekedi justified this exclusion by what he termed the "nation's condemnation of those who wage war against the Republic," according to several sources. The president also recalled that the M23, an armed group supported by Kigali, will be referred to the Doha process for potential discussions.
Additionally, the president mentioned the possibility of reintegration for those who genuinely renounce armed struggle, thus opening a path for future negotiations. This announcement indicates an attempt at inclusion for factions that show signs of de-escalating the conflict.
Tshisekedi emphasized the importance of this national dialogue in seeking solutions to the ongoing crisis affecting the country. His administration aims to establish a framework for bringing various actors to the negotiation table, even if it means severing ties with those who continue to engage in armed confrontations.
The DRC faces long-standing challenges related to violence and instability, and this national dialogue is seen as an approach to attempt to restore peace in the country. The president's speech was broadcast on national television, reflecting the government's willingness to communicate directly with the population on these crucial issues.