The Alliance for Change (A.Ch) party, led by Jean-Marc Kabund-a-Kabund, has reiterated its call for an inclusive national dialogue to address the ongoing political and security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to Jean Paleki Tonay Atwan, A.Ch's secretary general, this dialogue has become an urgent necessity to ensure peace and prepare for the 2028 presidential elections. The party also demands that the government takes action against political parties suspected of engaging in military or paramilitary activities.
The A.Ch party has specifically targeted the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party, accusing it of harboring a militia known as the "Force du Progres". The party's secretary general stated that the UDPS should be the first to be dissolved, citing the need for equal application of the law. This stance comes in response to measures announced by the government, led by Vice Prime Minister of the Interior Jacquemain Shabani, to dissolve parties suspected of paramilitary activities.
Atwan denounced the government's move as an attempt to intimidate the opposition, emphasizing that the application of these measures should be non-selective and target all parties equally. He also criticized the government's pressure on the opposition following the Rome conclave of the C64 coalition, which had announced possible meetings with President Felix Tshisekedi and former President Joseph Kabila.
The A.Ch party's call for an inclusive national dialogue has been ongoing, with Kabund-a-Kabund previously making the demand after his release from prison. The party believes that this dialogue is crucial to address the persistent insecurity in the country, which threatens to delay the preparation of the 2028 elections. The government's dialogue initiative, launched by President Tshisekedi in August, has faced skepticism from the opposition, which demands more guarantees on its inclusivity and consensual nature.
The A.Ch party has also taken steps to strengthen its internal organization, with the launch of a process to establish 1,062 cells in Kinshasa. This move is part of the party's efforts to consolidate its presence on the ground and push for its demands. The party's stance on the UDPS and the national dialogue has put it at odds with the government, which has been accused of trying to intimidate the opposition.
The opposition's demands come at a time when the country is facing significant challenges, including insecurity and delays in the electoral process. The A.Ch party's insistence on an inclusive dialogue and equal application of the law reflects its concerns about the current situation and its desire for a more level playing field. The government's response to these demands will be crucial in determining the country's path forward.
The situation in DR Congo remains complex, with various stakeholders vying for influence and pushing for their demands. The A.Ch party's call for an inclusive national dialogue and dissolution of the UDPS reflects its efforts to address the country's challenges and push for reforms. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these demands and what impact this will have on the country's future.
Key points
- A.Ch party demands inclusive national dialogue to address DR Congo's ongoing crisis.
- Party accuses UDPS of harboring paramilitary militia and calls for its dissolution.
- Government's dialogue initiative faces skepticism from opposition over inclusivity and consensual nature.
