The provincial deputies of Kongo Central in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have expressed their support for the dialogue promoted by President Felix Tshisekedi as a way to resolve the country's crisis and preserve national unity. This was stated in a political declaration made at the provincial assembly in Matadi, the capital city of Kongo Central province, on September 22, 2026. The declaration was read by Guylain Panzu Tsasa Mangovo, the deputy rapporteur of the provincial assembly.
According to the declaration, the deputies emphasized that the dialogue should not be seen as a way to exonerate those who have committed crimes, including the killing of compatriots in the eastern part of the country. Instead, they view it as an opportunity for exchange, national cohesion, and lasting peace. The deputies also reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the principles governing the functioning of institutions legally established in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Kongo Central province.
The provincial deputies also condemned attempts to manipulate and destabilize provincial institutions, while calling on the population to remain vigilant in the face of divisive and hate speech. They specifically criticized certain politicians who are trying to use their influence to disrupt the efforts of the provincial executive, which is working hard to host the 14th Conference of Governors in Matadi.
The deputies expressed their support for the provincial assembly bureau, led by its president, Papy Mantezolo Diatezua, as well as the provincial government, headed by Governor Grâce Nkuanga Masuangi Bilolo. They emphasized that Kongo Central needs peace and unity to develop, and called on the population to give a worthy welcome to President Tshisekedi during the upcoming Conference of Governors scheduled for December 2026.
The provincial deputies also invited the population of Kongo Central to remain vigilant and not to succumb to divisive and hate speech spread by politicians seeking to gain a position. They warned that such discourse could plunge the province into disorder. The declaration was made during a period of parliamentary recess, but the deputies justified their presence at the provincial assembly by citing the urgency of the country's political and security situation.
The deputies called on the Congolese people to prepare to give President Tshisekedi a worthy welcome during the 14th Conference of Governors in December 2026. They also expressed their support for the President's call for dialogue, which they believe will help to address the country's crisis and promote national unity.
The declaration by the Kongo Central provincial deputies reflects the ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country has been facing various challenges, including conflict in the eastern regions and attempts to manipulate and destabilize institutions. The deputies' call for dialogue and national unity is seen as a positive step towards addressing these challenges and promoting a more stable and peaceful future for the country.
Key points
- The provincial deputies of Kongo Central support President Felix Tshisekedi's call for dialogue to address the country's crisis and preserve national unity.
- The deputies emphasized that the dialogue should not be seen as a way to exonerate those who have committed crimes.
- The provincial deputies also condemned attempts to manipulate and destabilize provincial institutions.
