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A coalition of main Democratic Republic of Congo opposition groups rejected President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal for a national reconciliation dialogue on Friday, accusing him of using the talks to entrench his power.
The Article 64 coalition labelled the initiative a continuation of political manoeuvres to bypass constitutional limits and secure a third presidential term through a referendum.
In response, the opposition confirmed plans to stage nationwide protests on September 15 after authorities violently suppressed a similar rally in Kinshasa last month.
Tshisekedi sparked further pushback after ruling out the inclusion of the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group and representatives of former president Joseph Kabila in the proposed talks.
While the president urged political leaders to abandon hate speech and pursue compromise, opposition leaders insisted that any genuine dialogue must include all key factions.
Critics argue that existing peace frameworks have failed to halt ongoing regional conflict, while recent efforts to relax referendum rules signal a push to alter the constitution’s two-term presidential limit.
