The Ituri provincial council of the Union Sacrée de la Nation has expressed its backing for the National Dialogue for peace, cohesion, and state refoundation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative, launched through an ordinance on September 11, 2026, aims to consolidate peace, preserve territorial integrity, and address the root causes of crises in the country. The council welcomes the decision to conduct consultations in all 26 provinces.
The Ituri province has been severely affected by armed violence, displacement, and communal conflicts. As such, the council believes that the province has a crucial role to play in the dialogue, with a focus on protecting civilians, restoring state authority, ensuring justice and reparations for victims, facilitating the return of displaced persons, promoting reconciliation, and rebuilding the economy and social structures.
To prepare for its participation in the National Dialogue, the council will engage in internal reflection and consultations. It emphasizes that this process does not replace the national committee or upcoming official provincial mechanisms. The council advocates for inclusive, transparent, and representative consultations in Ituri, involving provincial institutions, elected officials, majority and opposition parties, traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society, women, youth, victims, displaced persons, people with disabilities, academics, and economic actors.
The council calls on political and social forces in Ituri to maintain a calm atmosphere, reject hate speech, and focus on concrete proposals that respect the Constitution and the sovereign will of the people. The council has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the national committee once it receives guidelines for provincial consultations.
According to Olivier Bulamuzi Nobirabo, the council's stance is centered on ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders in Ituri are heard during the National Dialogue. The initiative is seen as a platform for addressing the specific challenges faced by the province and contributing to the broader goals of national peace and cohesion.
The National Dialogue is an initiative aimed at bringing together various stakeholders to discuss and address the underlying causes of conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By involving all provinces, the government hopes to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and development.
The Ituri provincial council's support for the National Dialogue reflects a broader commitment to peace and stability in the region. The council's proactive approach to preparing for the dialogue and its emphasis on inclusivity and transparency are seen as positive steps towards achieving meaningful and lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the province and the country at large.
Key points
- The Ituri provincial council supports the National Dialogue for peace, cohesion, and state refoundation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The council advocates for inclusive and transparent consultations in Ituri, involving various stakeholders.
- The initiative aims to address the root causes of crises in the country and promote sustainable peace and development.
