Léonard she okitundu’s blueprint for an inclusive national dialogue in drc
The Party for Social Democracy and Greens (PSDV) has closely observed the announcement regarding the upcoming national inclusive political dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In this context, the PSDV applauds the Head of State’s expressed commitment to engaging in consultations with all social and political forces across the nation. This vital initiative aims to bolster national cohesion through collective deliberation, which is essential for safeguarding our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, currently severely impacted by Rwandan aggression. This approach is crucial for robust governance Africa.
Consequently, the Party for Social Democracy and Greens emphasizes that this forum must unequivocally address the core cause of the current crisis: the unjust aggression our nation endures.
To ensure the dialogue’s success and effectiveness, the PSDV has put forth the following recommendations, serving as crucial terms of reference for the discussions:
- On the primary objective
While acknowledging other significant internal political matters, this grand consultation should primarily focus on forming a broad patriotic bloc to counter the aggression against our country.
- On the location
The dialogue must take place within national territory.
- On participation
The Party for Social Democracy and Greens reaffirms its commitment to the principle of inclusivity, provided it aligns with realistic and structured participation modalities that conform to the DRC’s international obligations. This ensures a broad representation of society Africa.
Internally, the dialogue will include representatives from the political majority, the unarmed opposition, and civil society, with additional political figures also participating.
Regarding armed opposition groups, the PSDV advocates for them to continue, for clear reasons, the ongoing talks with government representatives abroad. These specific discussions should notably aim for the stringent implementation of commitments made under the Doha process (disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of armed groups) and the Washington agreement, without prejudice to the effective enforcement of binding obligations stemming from UN Security Council Resolution 2773, which serves as an essential roadmap for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
- On moderation
Given that this is a national dialogue, the Party for Social Democracy and Greens believes it is imperative for the Head of State to play a leading role in guiding these proceedings. This is in his capacity as the nation’s representative and the embodiment of national unity, prerogatives granted by Article 69 of the Constitution.
In this role, the Head of State should designate a personality who commands sufficient credibility among all dialogue stakeholders to facilitate the discussions. This facilitator will receive support from representatives of various religious denominations (Catholic, Protestant, Kimbanguist, Muslim, and the Congo Revival Church) for specific tasks.
- On observation
The presence of representatives from the African Union and the United Nations as observers is necessary due to their direct involvement in the process of resolving the crisis caused by the aggression. This highlights the importance of African politics in international relations.
Indeed, it is to these international institutions that certain conclusions of the dialogue will be presented as advocacy, particularly to secure the effective application of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773.
In light of these points, the Party for Social Democracy and Greens reiterates its readiness to contribute to the dialogue’s success and its unwavering commitment to restoring territorial integrity and the sacred defense of the homeland.
Léonard SHE OKITUNDU
National President
