During a political gathering of the Convention des Congolais Unis (CCU) on Monday, August 3, 2026, Lambert Mende Omalanga presented his analysis of the severe security and humanitarian challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The prominent CCU leader urged all Congolese to set aside their differences and unite against what he described as an existential threat to the nation.

Centered around the forward-looking question, “What does tomorrow hold?”, Lambert Mende Omalanga delivered his compelling message to the activists of the Convention des Congolais Unis.

Presented as a communication from the “Lumumbists of the CCU to the Nation,” his address extensively covered the persistent security crisis that has plagued Eastern DRC for several decades.

Lambert Mende asserted that global and regional geopolitical shifts have significantly impacted the Congolese situation since 1996.

Kigali accused of aggression

Lambert Mende directly accused Rwanda of being the primary cause of ongoing instability in Eastern DRC. He stated that numerous armed groups operating in this region are, based on evidence presented in his discourse, acting as proxies for Kigali.

He also revisited the various justifications offered over the years by Rwandan President Paul Kagame for his country’s involvement in the DRC, including claims about the presence of the FDLR and the protection of the Tutsi community in Kivu.

According to Mende, these arguments have gradually shifted towards territorial claims, which he views as fundamentally incompatible with the territorial integrity of the DRC.

“All is not irreversibly lost”

Despite the grave nature of the situation, the head of the CCU expressed optimism. He believes that the mounting diplomatic pressure on Kigali represents a favorable development for the DRC.

He specifically mentioned the United States’ sanctions, considering them a factor that increases pressure on the Rwandan government.

Lambert Mende also commended the voluntary disarmament process of the FDLR, which he sees as a crucial step that, in his opinion, helps to dismantle one of Kigali’s main pretexts for maintaining its forces in Eastern Congo.

National dialogue: CCU sets conditions

Regarding the prospect of an inclusive National Dialogue, Lambert Mende noted an emerging consensus among the government, opposition, and civil society on the necessity of such a forum.

However, for the CCU, the paramount focus must remain on responding to the Rwandan aggression and strengthening national cohesion. This implies that the Dialogue should primarily aim to develop and implement a robust framework for preventing and protecting against terrorism, “regardless of its origin.”

Nevertheless, Lambert Mende expressed reservations about the participation of individuals who have been legally convicted or sanctioned by the international community for collaborating with the aggressor. He further suggested that members of armed groups actively supporting Rwanda, who have not formally disassociated themselves, should also be excluded from this forum.

Constitutional reform: Mende urges perspective on controversies

Constitutional reform was another significant aspect of his address.

The former minister and government spokesperson under Joseph Kabila emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the adoption of a referendum law and the actual organization of a constitutional referendum. He reiterated that a referendum is a popular consultation mechanism inherent to constitutional democracy.

He further argued that states have the flexibility to adjust their political-institutional calendars when confronted with extraordinary circumstances. He cited examples such as the United States during major 20th-century crises and Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict.

Tshisekedi’s continued leadership during aggression

Lambert Mende’s speech also directly addressed the political future of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.

The CCU maintained that as long as Rwandan aggression against the DRC persists, the Head of State should remain in office. Lambert Mende portrayed Félix Tshisekedi as the only one among the four heads of state who have led the DRC since 1996 to have, in his view, implemented significant political, military, and diplomatic measures against this aggression.

This stance emerges amid intense debate within the Congolese political landscape regarding constitutional reform and the country’s institutional future.

“Our common house is burning”

Continuing his fervent appeal for national cohesion, Lambert Mende urged Congolese citizens to sideline their political differences, which he believes can be addressed at a later stage. He asserted that the immediate priority must be the security and survival of the Congolese state, particularly in a context he also described as humanitarian.

The CCU leader specifically highlighted the spread of the Ebola virus in areas along the frontline separating Rwandan and Congolese forces in the East of the country.

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 contended that this partnership could significantly bolster the resilience of the Congolese people and empower the nation to develop a robust power strategy against the threats it faces.

“Our common house is burning,” Lambert Mende emphatically declared, imploring the Congolese to rise above political squabbles and unite in defense of territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

The message from the CCU’s Lumumbists thus serves as a powerful plea for national unity, cohesion, and a concentrated effort by Congolese forces to overcome the prevailing security crisis.

“Long live the Democratic Republic of Congo, one and indivisible!” concluded Lambert Mende Omalanga.