Cardinal Ambongo Meets Sassou Nguesso as Regional Leaders Seek Solutions to DRC Crisis

Brazzaville, July 10, 2026 - Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, has held talks with Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso on the political and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid growing concerns over instability in the country. The meeting, held on July 9 at the presidential residence in Plateau, Brazzaville, focused on the challenges facing the DRC, including the conflict in the east, activities of armed groups, tensions surrounding a possible constitutional amendment, and the broader political climate. Cardinal Ambongo was accompanied by Bishop Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), who said the Congolese Catholic Church delegation presented its assessment of the current crisis. According to Nshole, President Sassou-Nguesso expressed deep concern over developments in the DRC, which he described as a brotherly country facing a fragile situation. The Congolese-Brazzaville leader reportedly sought the cardinal’s perspective, considering religious leaders’ role in promoting peace and protecting the common good. “He wanted to hear the pastor’s analysis of the situation,” Nshole said, adding that Sassou-Nguesso shared advice aimed at helping Congolese actors overcome the current crisis. The discussions also addressed the security situation in eastern DRC, where fighting involving armed groups, including the AFC/M23 rebellion, continues to cause civilian suffering and displacement. Bishop Nshole emphasized the seriousness of the humanitarian consequences, noting that many Congolese citizens remain separated from their communities due to the conflict, while deaths continue on the battlefield. The meeting comes shortly after consultations initiated by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who, in his capacity as African Union chairperson, brought together Congolese religious leaders and opposition figures in Bujumbura to discuss possible avenues for dialogue. The Catholic Church in the DRC has also maintained a firm position against any constitutional amendment initiative. In June 2026, CENCO bishops stated that they saw no current necessity, urgency, or opportunity to revise the Constitution, arguing that national priorities should instead focus on peace, social welfare, unity, and cohesion. The debate over constitutional reform has intensified since President Félix Tshisekedi’s political platform, the Sacred Union of the Nation, announced plans to initiate discussions on possible amendments. Opposition groups and several civil society actors have criticized the initiative, fearing it could alter constitutional limits on presidential terms. President Tshisekedi’s current mandate is scheduled to end in December 2028, with the next elected president expected to assume office in January 2029.