In a solemn address marking the 66th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s independence, President Félix Tshisekedi delivered a powerful message to the nation on Monday, June 29, 2026, emphasizing national unity, institutional respect, and the rejection of violence as a political tool.

The Head of State reiterated his commitment to open dialogue while firmly delineating its boundaries. He underscored that dialogue must never be manipulated to serve political pressure, bypass state institutions, or challenge the will of the Congolese people as enshrined in the Constitution.

“The Republic remains open to all its children, provided they embrace the path of peace, constructive dialogue, respect for institutions, and loyalty to the Nation. However, dialogue cannot be distorted from its true purpose. It must never become an instrument of coercion, a means to circumvent institutions, or a vehicle to undermine the people’s sovereign will as expressed through our Constitution and laws,” declared President Tshisekedi.

He further emphasized that ultimate sovereignty resides with the Congolese people.

“The Congolese people are the sole sovereign. No one can claim to speak on behalf of the Nation against the Nation itself. No one can advocate for democracy while rejecting its foundational principles—free debate, institutional respect, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and accountability to the people,” he continued.

Addressing the pressing issue of security and ongoing conflicts in the country—particularly amid protests against potential constitutional amendments—Tshisekedi condemned the use of arms and violence with unwavering firmness.

He asserted that resorting to violence cannot grant any group special negotiating rights or elevate those who threaten the Republic above those who uphold its laws.

“At this juncture, I must stress with absolute clarity: violence, arms, hatred, misinformation, or any attempt to undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be tolerated as a form of political expression. Such actions cannot confer special rights to negotiation, nor can they place those who threaten the Republic on equal footing with those who respect its laws,” he stated.

The President called on all Congolese to prioritize national unity in the face of existential threats confronting the nation.

“We may debate, disagree, and oppose each other within the framework of our republican institutions. But we have no right to weaken the Nation at a time when it faces existential threats. In the face of our country’s challenges, national unity is not an option—it is a historical necessity and an absolute imperative!” he declared.

Tshisekedi extended his appeal to all stakeholders across political, religious, economic, media, and civil society sectors, urging them to exercise restraint and responsibility.

“I call upon political actors—both from the majority and opposition—religious, economic, media, and civil society leaders, and all citizens to demonstrate wisdom, moderation, and accountability,” he urged.

The political landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains deeply divided over the national dialogue. While the government advocates for a dialogue strictly aligned with republican institutions and excluding any challenge to the constitutional order, much of the opposition insists that credible dialogue must be mediated by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). These religious bodies have proposed a joint roadmap for inclusive dialogue, emphasizing transitional justice mechanisms while rejecting impunity.

Other civil society actors have echoed the need for dialogue but caution that it should not serve as a mechanism to erase accountability. As of now, no formal national dialogue has been convened. Meanwhile, diplomatic initiatives under the Washington and Doha processes continue without yielding significant improvements in security conditions in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The Angolan mediation effort, though discreet in recent months, has not publicly outlined its next steps.