Title: Political facilitation in Chad: a lesson for the DRC
Introduction :
For several decades, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced a persistent political crisis, marked by difficulties in finding consensus and guaranteeing an inclusive and peaceful transition. But recent events remind us that solutions exist. Indeed, President Félix Tshisekedi has engaged as an ECCAS facilitator in the political crisis in Chad, which raises interesting questions about how the DRC could benefit from a similar approach to solving its own political problems. In this article, we will explore the similarities between the Chadian and Congolese crisis, as well as the importance of a facilitator to foster dialogue and create the conditions for an inclusive and consensual electoral process in the DRC.
Familiar words and evils:
President Tshisekedi’s work as a facilitator in Chad highlights the similarities between the political situations of the two countries. Phrases such as “inclusive, consensual and peaceful transition” resonate deeply, as they are also at the heart of the electoral challenge in the DRC. The lack of consensus among the various stakeholders hampered the electoral process and created growing tensions. Thus, the initiative to facilitate dialogue in Chad raises questions about the need for a mediator or facilitator in the DRC to help bring political contestants together and build consensus on the rules of the electoral game.
The issue of armed groups:
Another point of similarity between the Chadian and Congolese crisis lies in the persistent presence of armed groups. These violent entities have a considerable hold on the political situation and create an atmosphere of tension and insecurity. To create an environment conducive to peaceful elections, it is essential to address this issue adequately. Thus, a facilitator in the DRC could play a crucial role in helping to negotiate disarmament and demobilization agreements with armed groups, in order to create the conditions for a more stable and secure electoral process.
The quest for a facilitator in the DRC:
Faced with President Tshisekedi’s experience as a facilitator in Chad, it is legitimate to wonder whether the DRC could also benefit from the intervention of a facilitator to resolve its political crisis. Discussions are already underway to find a mediator or facilitator who could facilitate dialogue between the different stakeholders in the DRC. Such an intervention could help overcome blockages and reach consensus on the rules of the electoral game, thus creating the conditions for an inclusive and consensual electoral process..
Conclusion :
The political crisis in Chad and the DRC highlights the need for a facilitative approach to reach consensus and create the conditions for an inclusive and peaceful electoral process. President Tshisekedi’s role as a facilitator in Chad raises relevant questions about the possibility of a mediator or facilitator in the DRC. By learning from the Chadian experience, the DRC can hope to overcome the obstacles and move towards a resolution of its own political crisis