Martin Fayulu refuses to join a national unity government in the DRC

A united opposition against the Tshisekedi regime

In a rare show of unity, four leading figures in the Congolese opposition – Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, Delly Sesanga, and Joseph Kabila – have issued a joint statement denouncing Félix Tshisekedi ‘s rule . They point to a shift in authoritarianism , opaque management of public affairs, and the worsening security crisis in the east of the country.

Martin Fayulu, a guest on the Journal de l’Afrique , revealed that he had been approached to participate in a national unity government , an option that the government seems to be considering in the face of rising internal criticism and political paralysis. However, he firmly declined the offer , stating: “I was approached, but I said no.”

A call for an inclusive national dialogue

Opposition leaders are now calling for a national dialogue , which they believe is the only way to break the institutional deadlock in the Democratic Republic of Congo and restore a climate of trust. This dialogue should include civil society, political parties, and armed groups, in order to find a lasting solution to the crisis ravaging the eastern part of the country.

A tense political context on the continent

The newspaper also reported on political developments in Togo , where Faure Gnassingbé , in power since 2005, has become president of the Council of Ministers , the newly created highest executive body. This position stems from a constitutional reform voted in 2024, which establishes a parliamentary system . The Togolese opposition denounces a maneuver intended to perpetuate the power of the head of state without going through the ballot box.

Unprecedented demonstrations in Mali

Finally, in Mali , a rare event under the junta in power since 2021: hundreds of opposition activists took to the streets of Bamako to demand a return to constitutional order . This mobilization comes at a time of political tension, as the military transition drags on without a clear electoral calendar.

Conclusion

Martin Fayulu’s refusal to join a national unity government illustrates the Congolese opposition’s deep distrust of current institutions . Amid growing tensions in the DRC and elsewhere on the continent, calls for structural reforms and more inclusive governance are growing . It remains to be seen whether these dynamics will resonate favorably with the powers that be, or whether they will once again be stifled.