félix tshisekedi: dialogue must not undermine drc institutions or popular will

As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marked its 66th anniversary of independence, President Félix Tshisekedi delivered a crucial address on Monday, June 29, 2026, urging national cohesion, respect for state institutions, and an unequivocal rejection of political violence.

Speaking on the eve of the historic independence celebration, the head of state reiterated his commitment to dialogue but established clear boundaries for such engagements. He firmly stated that dialogue must not be manipulated to exert pressure, circumvent republican institutions, or challenge the fundamental will of the Congolese people.

« The Republic remains open to all its children, provided they choose the path of peace, dialogue, respect for institutions, and loyalty to the Nation. However, dialogue cannot be diverted from its true purpose. It must not become an instrument of pressure, a means to bypass institutions, or a challenge to the popular will, as expressed in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic, » President Tshisekedi declared.

The President further underscored that sovereignty resides solely with the Congolese populace.

« The Congolese people are the sole sovereign. No one can perpetually speak on behalf of the Nation against the Nation itself. No one can claim to defend democracy while rejecting its foundational principles: free debate, respect for institutions, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and accountability to the people, » he continued.

Addressing the pressing issues of security and ongoing conflicts plaguing the nation, particularly amid protests against potential constitutional amendments, Félix Tshisekedi strongly condemned the use of arms and violence. He asserted that resorting to armed conflict can never grant special negotiation rights or elevate those who threaten the Republic above those who abide by its laws.

« At this juncture, I must insist with the utmost firmness: the use of violence, arms, hatred, disinformation, or any form of aggression against our sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot constitute a legitimate mode of political expression. It can, under no circumstances, open a particular right to negotiation, nor place those who threaten the Republic above those who respect its laws, » he emphasized.

President Tshisekedi then called upon all Congolese citizens to safeguard national unity in the face of the country’s formidable challenges.

« We are free to debate, diverge, and oppose within the republican framework. Yet, we do not have the right to weaken the Nation at a time when it confronts existential threats. Given the challenges facing our country, national unity is not merely an option: it is a historical imperative, an absolute necessity! » he added.

On the same occasion, Félix Tshisekedi appealed to all vital forces within the country to contribute to maintaining national stability. He specifically highlighted the crucial roles of religious leaders, as well as political, economic, media, and civil society actors.

« Therefore, I call upon political actors, both from the majority and the opposition, social, religious, economic, media, and associative leaders, as well as all of civil society, to demonstrate wisdom, restraint, and responsibility, » the head of state recommended.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, positions among political actors regarding national dialogue remain sharply divided. The government advocates for dialogue structured by republican institutions, explicitly ruling out any challenge to the constitutional order or any form of impunity. Conversely, a significant portion of the opposition believes that credible dialogue can only take place under the auspices of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), which have jointly proposed a roadmap for national dialogue.

Both religious confessions advocate for inclusive dialogue, while clarifying that inclusivity should not equate to impunity. They propose transitional justice mechanisms and urge swift consultation to prevent armed groups from entrenching themselves in occupied territories. Other civil society stakeholders also support dialogue but stress that it is not a