Several opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have boycotted President Félix Tshisekedi’s ongoing political consultations aimed at forming a national unity government. They argue that Tshisekedi’s approach will not resolve the country’s worsening security crisis, particularly in the conflict-ridden east, but will instead reinforce a government they claim suffers from a “crisis of legitimacy.”
Opposition figures, including those from the parties of Moïse Katumbi (Ensemble pour la République), Martin Fayulu (ECIDE), Matata Ponyo Mapon (LGD), and Delly Sessanga (Envol), have rejected what they call “a political charade and power consolidation exercise.” Instead, they support an inclusive dialogue led by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), which has reportedly gained backing from regional leaders and Western partners.
“This situation does not require cosmetic solutions or a game of musical chairs with government positions,” said Hervé Diakese, spokesperson for Katumbi’s party. “We must unite as a nation before considering a national unity government.”
The political alliance of former President Joseph Kabila, the Common Front for Congo (FCC), has also refused to participate, questioning the necessity of Tshisekedi’s initiative while existing peace efforts are already underway. The FCC claims the talks are designed to “legitimize and defend a struggling government rather than serve the interests of the Congolese people.”
The boycott comes amid growing unrest in the DRC. Recent weeks have seen a series of opposition-led protests over Tshisekedi’s handling of the war in the east, where the M23 rebel group has intensified attacks. Since January, M23 fighters have captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, escalating fears of a wider regional war as neighboring countries deploy military forces in the area.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire collapsed last week after the M23 rebels withdrew from Angola-led negotiations, citing European Union sanctions against their leaders. The situation worsened further when Angola’s President João Lourenço, who was chairing mediation efforts on behalf of the African Union, stepped down as lead negotiator on Monday. In response, southern and eastern African leaders announced the formation of a panel of five former African presidents to spearhead new peace talks.
The growing political and security crises continue to fuel uncertainty in the DRC, with opposition parties insisting that a more inclusive and neutral mediation process is needed to chart a path toward stability.
