President Félix Tshisekedi has unveiled the framework for a new national dialogue, a long-awaited initiative advocated by the opposition to re-establish peace and rebuild the state in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This crucial process is slated to commence across all 26 provinces before converging in Kinshasa, with a maximum duration of three months. Participation is broad, encompassing the ruling majority, opposition factions, civil society organizations, religious denominations, and diverse segments of the population. However, groups actively engaged in armed conflict will be excluded from these discussions. A fundamental question arises: can this dialogue truly achieve its objectives without the involvement of key actors embroiled in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC? What distinct elements will enable this latest endeavor to succeed where previous dialogues and consultations have faltered?
