Congolese opposition leader Martin Fayulu has called for inclusive national dialogue aimed at ending the deepening crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a rare conciliatory gesture, Fayulu reached out to political rivals, including President Félix Tshisekedi and former President Joseph Kabila, expressing a willingness to forgive past grievances for the sake of national unity.
Speaking in Paris during an interview with Jeune Afrique, the leader of the Engagement for Citizenship and Development (Ecide) party declared he had pardoned those he holds responsible for his disputed loss in the 2018 presidential election.
“I have pardoned Félix Tshisekedi, as well as Kabila, Nangaa, and anyone who has wronged me,” he said. “I am a Christian guided by two values: love and forgiveness. Why wouldn’t I forgive if it helps move the DRC forward?”
Fayulu is pushing for a national dialogue overseen by religious leaders, with backing from both Catholic and Protestant churches.
He envisions a platform that includes opposition figures, government officials, and even armed rebel leaders.
Among the participants he would welcome is Corneille Nangaa, the former head of the electoral commission who recently took up arms against the state.
“Let’s sit around a table and let him explain why he took up arms,” Fayulu said.
He outlined five key goals for the proposed dialogue:
1. Restore national territorial integrity and reinforce the military
2. Eliminate financial mismanagement, wasteful government spending, and corruption
3. End systematic violations of the rule of law
4. Establish credible and functional institutions
5. Promote peaceful relations with neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda and Uganda
While supporting church-led peace efforts, Fayulu also acknowledged ongoing initiatives in Washington and Doha involving the DRC, Rwanda, and the M23 rebel group.
He welcomed regional cooperation but cautioned against exploitative resource deals.
“If it’s about reviving the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries, that’s fine,” he said. “If a Rwandan company wants to invest in Congo, no problem. But if the goal is to exploit our resources and refine gold in Rwanda, then we must consult the Congolese people.”
Fayulu recently signed a joint declaration with former president Joseph Kabila focusing on peace and security, but emphasized the collaboration is not exclusive.
“Tomorrow, I can sign the same declaration with Tshisekedi,” he said. “We are not judging who is a saint or sinner. We want transformation—for the good of Congo.”
He also clarified that the dialogue is not aimed at forcing President Tshisekedi out of office before the end of his term in 2028. Instead, it is intended to tackle the structural issues driving instability.
As talks continue between Kinshasa and Kigali, with a pre-agreement reportedly expected by early May, Fayulu expressed hope that the peace process would be inclusive.
“I don’t think they plan to leave anyone out,” he said. “You can’t treat a wound without healing it.”
Meanwhile, violence persists in eastern DRC, with Goma under near-daily attacks more than three months after M23 rebels and their Rwandan allies entered the region.