Kinshasa, April 30, 2025 — Prominent Congolese opposition leaders, including Joseph Kabila, Moïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, and Delly Sessanga, have issued a joint statement calling for an internal, inclusive dialogue to address the deepening security and political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In the statement released on Wednesday, the leaders welcomed the principles outlined in the Washington Declaration of April 24, 2025, particularly the reaffirmation of national sovereignty, respect for established borders, and the commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of states. However, they stressed that international declarations alone cannot replace genuine, Congolese-led solutions.
Defending Sovereignty and Natural Resources
The opposition figures criticized the handling of Congo’s natural resources and urged transparency in all international agreements and economic partnerships. They called for the immediate publication of all existing deals involving national assets and strategic resources, emphasizing that economic cooperation should respect Congo’s sovereignty and benefit its people.
Call for Withdrawal of Foreign Forces and Peaceful Reintegration
The statement further demanded the withdrawal of all foreign troops and mercenaries currently present in Congolese territory, asserting that their presence undermines peace and fuels instability. The leaders stressed the importance of creating the conditions for displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes and rebuild their communities in dignity.
Backing the “Social Pact” Initiative
Kabila, Katumbi, Fayulu, and Sessanga also reaffirmed their support for the Social Pact initiative led by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). They described it as the only Congolese-led, inclusive platform that seeks a comprehensive solution to the crisis, with the overarching goal of achieving peace, national unity, and coexistence within Congo and the broader region.
Towards a Lasting Solution
The leaders concluded by urging all Congolese actors to embrace dialogue as the only viable path to sustainable peace. They believe that only through honest internal discussions can the root causes of the crisis—both domestic and external—be identified and resolved. The statement underscores the need to restore national cohesion, protect judicial independence, and relieve the suffering of civilians, especially in the eastern provinces.
