President Félix Tshisekedi Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive and Peaceful Dialogue

On Saturday, January 31, President Félix Tshisekedi reaffirmed his openness to dialogue among Congolese citizens, during a New Year’s greetings ceremony with ambassadors and diplomats accredited to the DRC in Kinshasa. “In this context, national unity is more essential than ever. That is why we reaffirm our openness to a peaceful and inclusive dialogue, resolutely aimed at consolidating national cohesion, without ever calling into question the institutions established through universal suffrage,” he declared. The Head of State emphasized that any such dialogue would take place on national soil and be organized by the institutions of the Republic, in accordance with the Constitution, the laws of the Republic, and democratic principles. He stressed that this process cannot serve to downplay aggression or dilute responsibilities. “Justice will take its normal course, rigorously, to the very end, and without leniency, in order to honor the memory of those unjustly killed,” he said. On this occasion, the President called on the international community to take concrete action to protect the country’s sovereignty and support peace efforts. He reiterated his refusal to negotiate with the perpetrators of crimes committed against the Congolese people. He also pointed to recent remarks by a Rwandan diplomat before the U.S. Congress, officially acknowledging security cooperation between Rwanda and the AFC/M23 rebellion, saying this confirms the DRC’s position and must be taken seriously by the international community. “This recognition is not a mere communication ploy, nor a political strategy. It sheds a harsh light on what numerous reports and multiple partners have long been pointing out: the existence of decisive support for an armed insurgent movement operating on the sovereign territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he added. He concluded by stating that no cause, narrative, or security justification can legitimize occupation, parallel administrations, forced displacement, or the plundering of resources to the detriment of a United Nations member state.