** Title: Towards an inclusive dialogue in the DRC: a Missed opportunity or a historic turning point? **
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) lives a moment of turbulence when the socio-political fabric has been put to the test by armed conflicts that have persisted for decades. At the heart of this turmoil, the negotiations provided for in Luanda between the Congolese government, the M23 and the AFC, mediated by the Angolan President João Lourenço, open the way to in -depth reflections on the dynamics of political dialogue in the midst of crisis. However, this effort of reconciliation is welcomed in a divergent way by the Congolese opposition, revealing the complex sequences which govern the relations between political actors in a context marked by an endemic insecurity.
### Diverges in the opposition: a mosaic of opinions
On the one hand, Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, respected leaders of the opposition, are in favor of an inclusive dialogue. Katumbi, with his plea for active and lasting participation in this initiative, testifies to a desire to bring a constructive change. He calls for a collaboration between the State, the opposition forces, and civil society, transcending the partisan lines in a momentum towards peace. Fayulu, for his part, does not hesitate to express his gratitude to the Angolan president, thus strengthening the role of regional mediators in the resolution of the crisis.
Conversely, the Common Front platform for the Congo (FCC), led by former President Joseph Kabila, issues reserves. The deputy permanent secretary of the PPRD, Lucain Kasongo, evokes a direct link between the M23 and President Félix Tshisekedi, thus rejecting the legitimacy of the negotiations. This disagreement is based on the idea of a government involvement pact, illustrating the complexity of alliances and antagonisms within a political landscape where everyone seeks to defend their interests.
Jean-Marc Kabund also opposes the idea of negotiated as long as Rwandan troops are present on Congolese soil, a position which refers to the question of national sovereignty and respect for human rights. Its argument highlights an essential dimension: can we really consider lasting peace without the eradication of external influences? This fear is also shared by Denis Mukwege, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, which advocates an international framework for authentic negotiations, distinct from any legitimization of an aggression.
### A domino effect: the importance of dialogue in the face of emergency
The fragmented character of the opposition underlines the need for a realistic and urgent dialogue. Indeed, the climate of mistrust fueled by centuries of division and instability must be treated exhaustively. The numerous UN reports concerning the presence of foreign armed groups in the DRC as well as interethnic tensions show that, to resolve the crisis, it is not enough to agree on a dialogue. Economic issues, historically neglected, both local and international, must also be discussed.
A recent study reveals that the DRC has among the richest mineral resources in the world. However, illegal exploitation by armed factions, often supported by foreign interests, creates a vicious circle where the Congolese people live in poverty. Therefore, any dialogue initiative will have to integrate a strong economic component, recognizing the regional disparities that exacerbates conflicts.
### An invitation to collective reflection
The current situation recalls that political dialogues can be seen as opportunities, not only to preserve peace, but also to initiate a collective reflection on the systemic challenges that afflict the country. While the M23 has announced its intention to boycott talks due to the sanctions imposed by the European Union, it is relevant to consider how these tensions display a situation of dead end, referring to the broader question of legitimacy in international politics.
Faced with this complexity, you have to ask the question: how to establish the basics of a successful dialogue when there are divergent interests at stake? Is it possible to redefine the terms of a compromise which respects both national sovereignty and regional imperatives? These reflections must now find their way in the discussions that will take place in Luanda.
### Conclusion: a shared will?
Negotiations in Luanda could represent a turning point for the DRC, but also emit warning signals on the fragility of the inclusive process sought by certain factions. The real challenge lies in the ability of all actors – government, oppositions, civil society and regional power – to go beyond their differences and to forge a consensus based on a common project for peace and prosperity. In the end, the choices that will be made at this crossroads will not only determine the country’s political trajectory, but also the future of millions of Congolese in search of stability.