Dialogue or elections? The question arises with increasing insistence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the Congolese were immersed in the euphoria of the Olympics in Kinshasa, a well-known political figure, Joseph Olenghankoy, was sent by the presidency to Haut-Katanga for negotiations with former President Joseph Kabila and the leader of the opposition, Moïse Katumbi.
The choice of Joseph Olenghankoy, a veteran politician accustomed to talks since the days of Mobutu, appears to be an attempt by the Tshisekedi regime to find common ground with the powerful region of greater Katanga. However, the discussions do not seem to be progressing as smoothly as expected. The two political personalities, Kabila and Katumbi, are renowned for their strong character and firmness in their principles.
Yet the chairman of the New Year’s Eve Accord Monitoring Council, Joseph Olenghankoy, says he has also met with other presidential candidates as well as other high-profile political figures. He evokes the names of Fayulu, Sesanga and even Mukwege. These multiple meetings raise questions about the possibility of postponing the elections and of a possible political negotiation.
When asked if respecting the constitutional deadline for the organization of elections is only an illusion, Joseph Olenghankoy replies that dialogue must be privileged in any democracy. However, he refuses to comment on the possibility of postponing the elections, leaving doubts hanging over the various options that are on the table.
On the side of the Katangese political leaders, there seems to be a firm opposition to any form of dialogue. The camp of Moïse Katumbi cites the assassination of its spokesperson and the imprisonment of its special adviser as obstacles to any discussion. As for Joseph Kabila, his supporters ironically wonder why a request for negotiation is made in a country where everything is going well and where the festivities are taking place in Kinshasa.
The pressure is mounting everywhere. Catholic and Protestant prelates call for a dialogue between political leaders of all stripes. Delays in funding and the slow disbursement of funds by the Ministry of Finance raise concerns about adherence to the already tight election schedule.
In this complex political context, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the ongoing negotiations. One thing is certain, the DRC is at a crucial turning point in its history. The decisions that will be taken in the coming months will have a major impact on the stability and the future of the country. The Congolese are anxiously waiting to know if the dialogue will prevail or if the elections will be held as planned. The answer to this essential question will certainly be known in the weeks to come