The Camp de la Jeunesse coalition, a group representing youth interests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, met with the Conférence Épiscopale nationale du Congo (CENCO) on October 5, 2026, in Kinshasa. The meeting aimed to solicit CENCO's support for the youth's participation in the national dialogue. According to a communiqué from the coalition, the meeting provided an opportunity for the youth to express their concerns and aspirations regarding the national dialogue. The coalition, led by its national president, Me Henoc Manoka, emphasized the need for youth involvement in resolving the country's crises.

The national dialogue, a crucial process aimed at promoting peace and national cohesion, has been a priority for the Congolese government. The Camp de la Jeunesse coalition has been actively engaging with various stakeholders, including religious institutions and civil society groups, to ensure that the youth's voice is heard. The coalition has formulated eight key concerns, which were presented to CENCO during the meeting. These concerns focus on the need for youth participation in decision-making processes and the importance of addressing the country's pressing challenges.

The meeting between Camp de la Jeunesse and CENCO was facilitated by the Secrétariat technique du Pacte social pour la paix et le bien-vivre ensemble en RDC et dans les Grands Lacs. The discussions centered on the urgent need for youth involvement in building a lasting peace and promoting national cohesion. The coalition reiterated its commitment to ensuring that youth perspectives are taken into account in all national decision-making processes.

The Camp de la Jeunesse coalition's efforts to engage with CENCO and other stakeholders reflect the youth's determination to contribute to the country's development. According to the coalition, no decision affecting the nation's future should be made without the active participation of young people. This stance underscores the importance of youth empowerment and inclusion in the country's decision-making processes.

The national dialogue is expected to bring together various stakeholders to discuss pressing national issues, including security, economic development, and social cohesion. The Camp de la Jeunesse coalition's engagement with CENCO and other stakeholders aims to ensure that the youth's concerns and aspirations are taken into account during the dialogue. This move is seen as a crucial step towards promoting youth participation and empowerment in the country.

The Congolese government has been working to promote peace and stability in the country, particularly in the eastern regions, which have been affected by conflict and insecurity. The national dialogue is seen as a key component of these efforts, aiming to bring together various stakeholders to discuss solutions to the country's pressing challenges. The Camp de la Jeunesse coalition's engagement with CENCO reflects the youth's commitment to contributing to this process.

The outcome of the meeting between Camp de la Jeunesse and CENCO is expected to contribute to the ongoing national dialogue. The coalition's efforts to engage with various stakeholders reflect the youth's determination to promote peace, stability, and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The national dialogue is expected to conclude with a set of recommendations aimed at addressing the country's pressing challenges and promoting national cohesion.

Key points

  • The Camp de la Jeunesse coalition seeks CENCO's support to ensure active youth participation in the national dialogue.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.