** DRC: an inclusive dialogue to write a new page in political history? **
Political news in the Democratic Republic of Congo seems to mark a turning point with the Ensemble Declaration for the Republic, the party led by opponent Moïse Katumbi. In a context of tumult and multi-faceted crises, could this openness to dialogue really initiate a significant change in a country where political, economic and social issues are often perceived as inextricable?
### A response to a lasting crisis
For decades, the DRC has been going through periods of armed conflict, political instability and endemic corruption. The recent opposition press release echoes an urgent need to restore peace, not only integrating political forces but also civil society in a reconciliation process. The consultations carried out by the Catholic and Protestant churches around the “Social Pact for Peace and well-living together in DRC and in the Great Lakes” underline the essential role that religious institutions in political life can play.
### A call to inclusion
It is interesting to note that the call to an inclusive dialogue published by Ensemble for the Republic goes beyond the simple political gesture. It is part of a framework where the actors involved seek to put the roots of crises at the heart of their concerns, rather than limiting themselves to superficially temporary solutions. This desire to oppose “illusory peace” underlines an increasing political maturity within the opposition. According to the report of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), a constructive and inclusive dialogue is a key factor in building lasting peace and that exclusion is often the cause of future conflicts.
### The challenges of a successful dialogue
But is this initiative the long-awaited panacea for the DRC? In 2018, the country saw the first peaceful transition from power since independence in 1960 with the taking of function of Félix Tshisekedi. However, this transition was marked by tensions, and citizens continue to live in the fear of a new escalation of violence. Such a situation weakens not only the political picture but also the economic situation, because instability discourages investments. According to recent studies, the DRC has enormous natural resources, but can hardly mobilize a significant part of these wealth for social development. Dialogue therefore becomes a prerequisite not only for political stability, but also for economic revitalization.
### The importance of regional mediators
The call for mediation by regional actors such as the EAC (East African Community) and the SADC (Development Community of Southern Africa) has a particular meaning. These organizations have, in the past, played decisive roles in conflict resolutions in the Great Lakes region. The recognition by together for the Republic of the importance of these mediators underlines the self-assessment of the external and chronic issues experienced by the DRC. A dialogue supported by external parties could not only bring an additional perspective and legitimacy, but would also strengthen the feeling that solutions to these crises do not only come from internal political spheres, often considered as corrupt or incompetent.
### to a new collective vision
In addition to the political framework, the dialogue initiative opens the way to a collective reflection on national identity. What does Congolese mean in a country that has suffered from yesteryear from systemic divisions? Moses Katumbi, by the statement of his desire to open, seems to want to go beyond the traditional borders of the opposition and consider a true national unity around the common ideal of peace and well-being.
The next few weeks will be crucial to observe whether this call will be followed by concrete gestures and if the government in place will respond positively to this outstretched hand. The DRC has the opportunity to redefine its future by relying on the inclusiveness and participation of all responsible players. In short, the success of such an initiative will not only depend on the capacity of the parties to dialogue, but also on the collective will to build not only an apparent peace, but a real reconciliation which must transcend the political and social differences anchored in the national fabric. In this context, the peoples of the DRC can hope for a regeneration of their social fabric, and with that, a more radiant future for generations to come.
History teaches us that real changes are often the result of sincere dialogue and mutual commitments. What we must now hope is that the path taken will be that of dignity, respect and solidarity. The Democratic Republic of Congo is at the crossroads; It is up to his sons and daughters to choose the road that will lead them to the threshold of lasting peace.