Consultations initiated by President Evariste Ndayishimiye began on Monday, June 6, concerning the political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Coalition de l’opposition pour la défense de la Constitution (C64) has expressed a preference for mediation by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. The C64 asserted its opposition to "des consultations organisées selon les desiderata et l’agenda du pouvoir. Il ne faut pas que les participants soient des personnalités choisies par M. Tshisekedi," indicating conditions for genuine dialogue. The opposition demands President Tshisekedi publicly renounce what they term a "funeste plan pouvant ouvrir la voie à un troisième mandat présidentiel alors qu’il se termine en 2028," referring to a proposed revision of the Fundamental Law.
Opposition's Mediation Demands
The consultations initiated by President Evariste Ndayishimiye are currently being held at Ntare house. A key point of contention for the opposition is the initiative to revise the Fundamental Law, which they view as a potential pathway to a third presidential term. The Coalition de l’opposition pour la défense de la Constitution (C64) has also proposed specific conditions for the mediation process itself. The C64 stated that CENCO (Conférence épiscopale nationale du Congo) and ECC (Eglise du Christ au Congo) should be integral parts of any mediation mechanism. This insistence shows the opposition's criteria for legitimacy and inclusivity in the proposed dialogue.
Context of Burundi-Led Consultations
Representatives of the Congolese opposition and religious leaders from Églises du Réveil, ECC (Eglise du Christ au Congo), and CENCO (Conférence épiscopale nationale du Congo) are among the participants in the ongoing consultations. A press release issued by the Presidency of the Republic of Burundi on Monday, July 6, stated that the Head of State, President Evariste Ndayishimiye, commended the quality of exchanges during these discussions. However, the atmosphere surrounding the consultations has presented challenges for transparency, as journalists covering the event were reportedly asked to leave the room and delete photographs they had taken. The opposition has previously stipulated conditions for any dialogue, insisting that participants "ne soient pas choisis par le Président Tshisekedi" and that the talks not be "des consultations organisées selon les desiderata et l’agenda du pouvoir."
Presidential Majority's Stance
The presidential majority has stated its unequivocal position against considering consultations that would include figures such as Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Joseph Kabila. This stance reflects the majority's view on their involvement in the ongoing political landscape. The presidential majority further holds Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Joseph Kabila directly responsible for the violence plaguing the Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu regions. Their categorical refusal to engage with these individuals shows a firm perspective on accountability for the unrest in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Implications for Dialogue
The opposition has stipulated that a truly inclusive dialogue is a third necessary condition, rejecting "des consultations organisées selon les desiderata et l’agenda du pouvoir." The Coalition de l’opposition pour la défense de la Constitution (C64) also demands that "les participants ne soient pas des personnalités choisies par M. Tshisekedi," emphasizing their stance against government-selected attendees. The opposition fears the proposed revision of the Fundamental Law represents a "funeste plan pouvant ouvrir la voie à un troisième mandat présidentiel alors qu’il se termine en 2028," viewing it as a potential path to an illegitimate third presidential term.