** Political consultations in the DRC: a historic turning point under the aegis of Adolphe Muzito **
On April 5, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was the scene of political consultations which could mark a significant inflection in the country’s political landscape. The scene was occupied by Adolphe Muzito, former Prime Minister and a must -have figure of the Nouvelle En Élan party, which was received within the framework of an initiative launched by the Head of State to bring together the living forces around the crucial question of national security, especially in the face of the assault of Rwanda.
### A call to national union
Muzito is not only positioned as a political player, but also as a strategist awakened to the need for unity in the face of major security challenges. His declaration, stressing that he will not commit as an opposition but rather as a member of a “new majority”, is emblematic of a desire to overcome political rivalries for the benefit of a common cause. This positioning opens the way to a broader reflection: that of the commitment of the political elites to transcend their divisions for the good of the nation.
This dynamic is not new in the Congolese context. Historically, several leaders, faced with the urgency of the issues, tried to forge strategic alliances. However, few have really managed to last over time. The 2000s, for example, saw the emergence of many governments of national unity, often ephemeral and threatened by internal dissents. The challenge here is to determine whether Muzito’s know-how, combined with its ability to bring together, can really mark a break with a political history often characterized by failures.
### The security question at the heart of concerns
The central element of the discussions, as Muzito himself underlines, remains the fight against the armed group M23 and the Rwandan interference. Indeed, according to the report of the International Crisis Group, in 2023, around 5 million Congolese were still moved because of the conflicts. This disastrous situation recalls the urgency of a concerted and organized action.
Security cannot be dissociated from socio-economic development. In this regard, better governance, increased support for the Congolese armed forces and awareness of the population, especially young people, are essential. World Bank statistics indicate a correlation between political instability and poverty. In 2024, the DRC displayed a poverty rate of 73 %, an alarming level which requires immediate and effective measures. Political stability, if reached, could help to reverse this dynamic.
### Mobilization of Congolese: an imperative
Adolphe Muzito calls the Congolese, all trends combined, to unite. This type of call is often perceived as political rhetoric, but it is also a reflection of a collective consciousness that emerges in the country. After two decades of armed conflicts, civil society and youth movements, such as those represented by the youth of the FCC and other organizations committed like DyPro and Conade, want to take part in this process. Citizen mobilization could also be a major vector for the political evolution of the country.
The history of the DRC shows that the key to resilience has often been in civic engagement and popular movements. The struggles for democracy in the 1990s were the prelude to significant changes, despite the reverse they were able to meet. By echoing the votes of youth, these consultations could revive a feeling of hope and civic responsibility.
### to an inclusive political model?
Muzito’s proposal to join the government of national unity opens the way to a reflection on the governance model that could be adopted. Rather than focusing on traditional alliances based on influence or personal interest, an inclusive approach, carried by a diversity of votes and expertise, could promote a climate of trust between the various political and social actors.
That said, the parenthesis opened by these consultations will not escape the difficulty of building a sincere and constructive dialogue, against a background of historical distrust between the different political factions. The future of these negotiations will largely depend on the will of the stakeholders to transcend past antagonisms to build a balance or the national interest prevails over individual ambitions.
### Conclusion: A new chapter to write
The political consultations initiated by the head of state of the DRC, with the participation of Adolphe Muzito and other stakeholders, draw potential turning in the political history of the country. Although the time is for thoughtful optimism, it is essential to maintain a critical look at the implementation of decisions and their effective impact on the security and social and economic development of the DRC. Peace must become a lasting reality, based not only on political agreements but also on the reconciliation and the vibrant commitment of each Congolese. This is where the real success of these consultations is played out.