President Félix Tshisekedi and strong critic of his regime Martin Fayulu held a meeting at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa on Thursday aimed at finding a binding solution to the deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC.
The Eastern DRC, largely composed of North and South Kivu Provinces, is currently under the control of M23-rebel movement since they took up arms three years ago demanding an end to ethnic violence, return of refugees and an end to discrimination.
The opposition leader Fayulu requested a direct meeting with the head of state to “find a dignified solution to the existential crisis” facing the DRC.
The opposition and various civil society organisations have been calling for the organization of an inclusive national dialogue to address the crisis in Eastern DRC.
“As Congolese, we talked about the suffering of people in Goma, Beni, Butembo and Bukavu,” Fayulu said, blaming the M23-rebels occupying these territories.
“He and I, we said to ourselves that never in our era will the Congo be balkanized,” Fayulu added.
Fayulu who in 2019 rejected the election results announced by the electoral body, declared himself winner. He challenged the election results in the constitutional court which later ruled in favour of Felix Tshisekedi.
On finding a lasting solution to the security crisis in Eastern DRC, Fayulu believes that the President should look for solutions from within, not from outside.
“Tshisekedi places greater emphasis on external initiatives and, so far, has not embraced the national dialogue desired by the Congolese,” Fayulu said.
For Félix Tshisekedi, only the consultations led by his special security advisor, Eberande Kolongele, have been considered so far and are expected to lead to the establishment of a national unity government.
This approach has been contested by several opposition political leaders. Since the end of these consultations, the long-awaited National Unity Government remains unclear.
It should be remembered that several opposition leaders boycotted consultations with Tshisekedi’s security adviser.
Fayulu said that he supports the social pact project led by the Catholic and Protestant churches.
However, Fayulu notes that this approach is not at all appreciated by the regime, which believes that the Church has no role in interfering in political affairs.
Martin Fayulu’s announcement of his willingness to meet with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi surprised the Congolese sociopolitical community a few weeks after he co-signed a joint statement with Joseph Kabila Kabange, Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, and Delly Sesanga calling for a national dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Given Fayulu’s fierce criticisms against Tshisekedi since the 2018 elections, some observers see Fayulu’s approach as a desire to integrate into the institutions, despite the fact that he has always considered himself the “elected” president of the DRC.
