On September 23, 2026, Democratic Republic of the Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Representing President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, she emphasized the importance of national dialogue in achieving peace and strengthening national cohesion. This comes as the Congolese government's national dialogue initiative, launched by President Tshisekedi, faces discussions and divergences within the country's political class.
The national dialogue, announced on August 28, 2026, aims to address the structural causes of instability in the country and promote national cohesion. According to Judith Suminwa, the dialogue will bring together political and social forces committed to fundamental principles related to the state and the republic. The process is expected to last a maximum of three months and conclude with the adoption of a National Pact accompanied by an implementation strategy.
Judith Suminwa specified that the dialogue is open to forces attached to the republic, constitution, territorial integrity, and rejection of violence. The initiative does not aim to bypass institutions or organize a power-sharing arrangement. Instead, it seeks to address the root causes of fragilities, consolidate national unity, and build a more just and protective state. The Prime Minister called on Congolese actors who favor peace and republican debate to participate in the process.
Judith Suminwa drew a distinction between internal problems and the security situation in the eastern part of the country. She emphasized that national dialogue cannot transform external aggression into a simple domestic dispute. The Prime Minister also highlighted the link between the crisis in the east and the need to strengthen national cohesion. She extended an invitation to all Congolese who choose peace, republican debate, and loyalty to the nation to participate in the dialogue.
The Prime Minister stressed that defending territorial integrity and strengthening national cohesion are complementary dimensions of state action. She also broadened the discussion to include development and natural resource management. Judith Suminwa emphasized that the sought-after peace should not only involve the cessation of hostilities but also enable the country to take full possession of its future. This involves transforming resources that have fueled conflicts into instruments of development and shared prosperity.
The format of the national dialogue has sparked divergences within the Congolese political class. The opposition and some political actors have called for a more inclusive process, particularly regarding participant composition, dialogue modalities, and guarantees of neutrality. In contrast, the government advocates for a dialogue limited to forces attached to the republic, constitution, territorial integrity, and rejection of violence.
President Tshisekedi has signed an ordinance establishing a preparatory committee to organize the national dialogue. The next step involves designating committee leaders to launch the process effectively. The dialogue is expected to unfold progressively, starting from the grassroots level and moving up to national instances. The initiative aims to promote peace, national cohesion, and state refoundation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Key points
- DR Congo's PM Judith Suminwa calls for national dialogue at UN Assembly
- National dialogue aims to address structural causes of instability
- Process expected to last three months, conclude with National Pact
