During a political gathering held by the Convention des Congolais Unis (CCU) on Monday, August 3, 2026, Lambert Mende Omalanga offered his perspective on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) ongoing security and humanitarian crisis. The prominent CCU leader urged all Congolese citizens to set aside their differences and unite against what he described as an existential threat to the nation.
Mende’s address to CCU activists centered on the crucial question: “What does tomorrow hold?”
Presented as a vital message from the “Lumumbists of the CCU to the Nation,” his communication extensively covered the persistent security crisis that has plagued Eastern DRC for decades.
Lambert Mende contended that global and regional geopolitical shifts have profoundly impacted the Congolese situation since 1996.
Kigali accused of destabilization
Lambert Mende directly accused Rwanda of being the primary driver of the enduring instability in Eastern DRC. He asserted that several armed groups operating in the region act as proxies for Kigali, citing evidence presented in his discourse.
He also recounted the evolving justifications provided over the years by Rwandan President Paul Kagame for his country’s involvement in the DRC, initially citing the presence of the FDLR and the need to protect the Tutsi community in Kivu. Mende argued that these rationales have gradually shifted towards territorial claims, which he deemed incompatible with the DRC’s territorial integrity.
“All is not irremediably lost”
Despite the severe challenges, the CCU’s top official maintained an optimistic outlook. He highlighted diplomatic pressure on Kigali, particularly US sanctions, as a favorable development that contributes to increasing pressure on the Rwandan regime.
Lambert Mende also commended the voluntary disarmament process of the FDLR, presenting it as a significant step that, in his view, removes one of Kigali’s main arguments for its forces’ presence in Eastern Congo.
National dialogue: CCU sets terms
Regarding a potential inclusive National Dialogue, Lambert Mende noted an emerging consensus among the government, opposition, and civil society on the necessity of such a forum.
However, for the CCU, the paramount focus must remain on countering Rwandan aggression and bolstering national cohesion. This dialogue, therefore, should primarily aim to develop and implement mechanisms for preventing and protecting against terrorism, “regardless of its origin.”
Mende expressed reservations about the participation of individuals legally convicted or sanctioned internationally for complicity with the aggressor. He also stated that members of armed groups collaborating with Rwanda who do not formally disassociate themselves from Kigali should be excluded from this forum.
Constitutional reform: Mende advocates for perspective
Constitutional reform was another crucial aspect of his address.
The former minister and government spokesperson under Joseph Kabila emphasized the need to differentiate between adopting a referendum law and actually organizing a constitutional referendum. He reminded the audience that a referendum is a popular consultation, a standard practice within constitutional democracy.
Furthermore, he argued that states can adjust their political-institutional calendars when faced with exceptional circumstances. He cited historical examples such as the United States during major 20th-century crises and contemporary Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
Tshisekedi’s continued leadership during aggression
Lambert Mende’s speech also directly addressed the political future of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.
The CCU believes that as long as Rwandan aggression against the DRC persists, the Head of State should remain in office. Lambert Mende positioned Félix Tshisekedi as the only leader, among the four who have governed the DRC since 1996, to have, in his assessment, taken decisive political, military, and diplomatic actions against this aggression.
This stance comes amidst intense debate within the Congolese political class regarding constitutional reform and the nation’s institutional future.
“Our common home is burning”
Continuing his plea for national cohesion, Lambert Mende urged Congolese citizens to sideline their political disagreements, suggesting these could be addressed later. He stressed that priority must be given to the security and survival of the Congolese state, especially in the prevailing humanitarian context.
The CCU leader specifically highlighted the spread of the Ebola virus in areas along the front lines separating Rwandan and Congolese forces in the country’s east.
A call for strategic alliance with the United States
In conclusion, Lambert Mende expressed his support for President Tshisekedi’s initiative to forge a strategic alliance between the DRC and the United States. He contended that such a partnership could significantly enhance the resilience of the Congolese people and enable the nation to develop a robust power strategy against the threats it confronts.
“Our common home is burning,” Lambert Mende emphatically declared, appealing to all Congolese to transcend political disputes and rally in defense of territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The message from the CCU Lumumbists thus served as a powerful advocacy for national unity, cohesion, and the concentrated effort of Congolese forces against the security crisis.
“Long live the Democratic Republic of Congo, one and indivisible!” Lambert Mende Omalanga concluded.
