During a political gathering held by the Convention des Congolais Unis (CCU) on Monday, August 3, 2026, Lambert Mende Omalanga offered his assessment of the severe security and humanitarian crisis gripping the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The prominent CCU leader urged all Congolese citizens to set aside their differences and unite against what he described as an existential threat to the nation.
Lambert Mende Omalanga framed his address to CCU activists around the forward-looking question: “What does tomorrow hold?”
This communication, presented as a “message from the Lumumbists of the CCU to the Nation,” extensively detailed the ongoing security crisis that has plagued Eastern DRC for decades.
Mende contended that global and regional geopolitical shifts have profoundly shaped the Congolese situation since 1996.
Kigali accused of destabilization
Lambert Mende explicitly accused Rwanda of being the root cause of the persistent instability in the Eastern DRC. He asserted that numerous armed groups operating in this region are, based on evidence presented in his speech, proxies for Kigali.
He further highlighted the various justifications Rwandan President Paul Kagame has offered over the years for his country’s intervention in the DRC, including the presence of the FDLR and the purported protection of the Tutsi community in Kivu. Mende argues that these pretexts have gradually shifted towards territorial claims, which he deems utterly incompatible with the DRC’s territorial integrity.
“All is not irrevocably lost”
Despite the gravity of the situation, the CCU’s top figure expressed optimism. He believes that sustained diplomatic pressure on Kigali represents a favorable development for the DRC. Mende specifically cited American sanctions, considering them crucial in increasing pressure on the Rwandan regime.
Lambert Mende also commended the voluntary disarmament process of the FDLR, presenting it as a significant step that, in his view, removes one of the primary arguments Kigali has historically used to justify the presence of its forces in Eastern Congo.
National dialogue: CCU sets conditions
Regarding a potential inclusive National Dialogue, Lambert Mende observed an emerging consensus among the government, opposition, and civil society on the necessity of such a forum. However, for the CCU, the immediate priority must remain the response to Rwandan aggression and the strengthening of national cohesion. Consequently, this Dialogue should primarily focus on developing and implementing mechanisms for preventing and protecting against terrorism, “regardless of its origin.”
Nevertheless, Mende voiced reservations about the participation of individuals legally condemned or internationally sanctioned for collaborating with the aggressor. He also maintained that members of armed groups actively supporting Rwanda, who do not formally disassociate themselves, should be excluded from this forum.
Constitutional reform: Mende urges perspective on controversies
Constitutional reform also formed a key part of this address.
The former minister and government spokesperson under Joseph Kabila emphasized the need to differentiate between passing a referendum law and actually organizing a constitutional referendum. He reminded his audience that a referendum is a popular consultation inherent to constitutional democracy.
He additionally asserted that states can adjust their political and institutional calendars when confronted with exceptional circumstances. He referenced examples such as the United States during major 20th-century crises and Ukraine amidst its current conflict.
Tshisekedi’s continuation in power during aggression
Lambert Mende’s speech directly addressed the political future of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.
The CCU firmly believes that as long as Rwandan aggression against the DRC persists, the Head of State should remain in office. Lambert Mende highlighted Félix Tshisekedi as the only one among the four heads of state who have led the DRC since 1996 to have, in his assessment, taken significant political, military, and diplomatic measures to counter this aggression.
This stance emerges amid intense debate within the Congolese political landscape concerning constitutional reform and the nation’s institutional future.
“The common house is burning”
Continuing his advocacy for national cohesion, Lambert Mende implored Congolese citizens to sideline their political disagreements, which, according to him, can be addressed later. He contended that priority must be given to the security and survival of the Congolese state, particularly within the prevailing humanitarian context.
The CCU leader notably mentioned the spread of the Ebola virus in areas along the front line separating Rwandan and Congolese forces in the country’s East.
A call for strategic alliance with the United States
In closing, Lambert Mende endorsed President Tshisekedi’s initiative to forge a strategic alliance between the DRC and the United States. He posited that this partnership could bolster the resilience of the Congolese people and enable the nation to develop a robust power strategy against the multifaceted threats it faces.
“Our common home is ablaze,” Lambert Mende emphatically declared, urging all Congolese to transcend political disputes and rally around the defense of territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The message from the CCU’s Lumumbists thus serves as a powerful appeal for national unity, cohesion, and a concentrated effort by Congolese forces to overcome the security crisis.
“Long live the Democratic Republic of Congo, one and indivisible!” concluded Lambert Mende Omalanga.
