The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Suminwa, defended, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in New York, the national dialogue process undertaken in her country. Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly, she was keen to dispel misunderstandings surrounding this process.
The Congolese head of government could not have been clearer: the national dialogue for peace, cohesion and the rebuilding of the state does not aim to circumvent the country’s institutions, nor to organize power-sharing. « This dialogue is not about bypassing institutions or about organizing power-sharing. No amount of internal dialogue can turn external aggression into a mere domestic dispute, » she said.
According to Judith Suminwa, this process must bring together political and social forces attached to the Republic, the Constitution, the integrity of the territory and the rejection of violence. In particular, it should make it possible to tackle the structural causes of the country’s fragility and to strengthen national unity.
The Prime Minister presented this dialogue as a complement to the efforts undertaken to restore peace in the sub-region. However, she considered that the security situation should not prevent the DRC from questioning its own weaknesses and providing answers. « Conversely, no external aggression should exempt the DRC from correcting its own weaknesses, » she added.
This position reflects a twofold requirement: to defend the country’s sovereignty in the face of external interference, while recognizing the need for internal reforms to consolidate peace and stability.
Judith Suminwa finally reaffirmed the authorities’ readiness to continue the exchanges, stressing that « the government’s hand remains outstretched ». This openness reflects Kinshasa’s willingness to maintain dialogue with all stakeholders, including those who are still hesitant to engage in the process.
This intervention took place in the context of the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, devoted in particular to the issues of peace and international cooperation. It illustrates the DRC’s desire to make its voice heard on the international stage while reaffirming its commitment to peace and the integrity of its territory.
TheHatLady
