Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has unveiled plans for a national dialogue aimed at easing growing political tensions in the country.
The proposed dialogue comes amid controversy over a bill that critics say could pave the way for constitutional changes allowing Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Tshisekedi announced the plan in an address broadcast on state television late Thursday.
He said the process would begin with consultations across the country’s 26 provinces before culminating in national talks in the capital, Kinshasa.
The president said the dialogue would bring together political parties, civil society organisations, religious leaders, traditional authorities, business representatives, academics, youth and women’s groups, as well as members of the Congolese diaspora.
However, Tshisekedi said armed groups and individuals acting on behalf of foreign powers would not be allowed to participate.
His position explicitly excludes the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebel group, which controls large areas of eastern Congo.
The dates and conditions for the dialogue are expected to be announced later.
Tshisekedi said the entire process would last no more than three months.
Political tensions have increased in the mineral-rich country since the adoption of a bill in June that would allow proposed constitutional changes to be submitted to a referendum.
Critics fear the reforms could eventually remove or alter presidential term limits and allow Tshisekedi to seek another term.
The president’s supporters have openly called for constitutional reforms that would enable him to contest another election.
Tshisekedi has previously said he would accept another mandate if the Congolese people wanted him to continue.
Under Congo’s current constitution, presidents are limited to two five-year terms.
Tshisekedi was first elected president in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023. His current term is expected to end in 2028.
The proposed constitutional reforms have drawn criticism from opposition groups and the influential Catholic Church.
An opposition protest against the reform plans in June was violently dispersed.
Opposition groups and other critics have called for a more inclusive dialogue that would allow rebel groups and supporters of former President Joseph Kabila to participate.
The proposed dialogue will also take place against a fragile security situation in eastern Congo.
The country is also dealing with a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak, adding to the challenges facing the government.
