DR Congo's opposition Coalition Article 64 (C64) plans to meet President Félix Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila. It wants to find what it calls a Congolese way out of the country's crisis. The coalition announced the plan in a final communique issued in Rome on October 27, Radio Okapi reported. The statement closed a conclave held from October 25 to 27.
The C64 presidium includes Moïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund, Matata Ponyo and Delly Sesanga. It says there is no military solution to the crisis. It wants an inclusive national dialogue to end the fighting, reunify the country and strengthen national cohesion. According to the BBC, the coalition refused to back Kabila's rebellion and called for a "genuine and inclusive national dialogue".
The plan has already exposed a split inside the coalition. On October 28 in Kinshasa, the C64 Conference of Presidents said it was the platform's decision-making body. Radio Okapi reported that it reined in the presidium and rejected any mediation between Tshisekedi and Kabila.
Kabila now leads the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), which works with the M23 rebels. Tanzania's Mwananchi reported that the alliance was launched in Goma on October 12. It has vowed to use all means, including force, to remove Tshisekedi's government. The BBC says Kabila faces a death sentence after being convicted in absentia of treason. He is also under US sanctions over his alleged support for the M23.
Kabila told the pro-M23 group Conspiracy Trackers Great Lakes that Tshisekedi is "a tyrant" who does not follow the constitution. He cited Section 64 of the constitution, which calls on citizens to resist anyone who exercises power unconstitutionally. The BBC reports rumours that Tshisekedi plans to change the constitution to seek a third term. The C64 campaigns against such a move.
Tshisekedi said Kabila's new role was proof that he "has never loved this country". Mwananchi, citing RFI Swahili, reported that he urged citizens, allied parties and foreign partners to back him against Kabila. He denied wanting to extend his time in power against the people's will. He also told his supporters in parliament to prepare for an expected national dialogue.
Richard Moncrieff, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, told the BBC that Tshisekedi keeps major advantages. He pointed to strong American backing, money and control of the political system. As far as can be seen, Tshisekedi also controls the military, he said.