Speaking at a political morning event hosted by the Convention of United Congolese (CCU) on Monday, August 3, 2026, Lambert Mende Omalanga offered his perspective on the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo. The CCU leader urged Congolese citizens to set aside their differences and unite against what he described as an existential threat to the nation.
“What does tomorrow hold?” This forward-looking question formed the core of Lambert Mende Omalanga’s address to CCU activists.
Presented as a message from the “Lumumbists of the CCU to the Nation,” his communication extensively covered the persistent security crisis plaguing Eastern DRC for decades.
Lambert Mende contended that global and regional geopolitical shifts have significantly shaped the Congolese situation since 1996.
Kigali accused of destabilizing the east
Lambert Mende explicitly accused Rwanda of orchestrating the enduring instability in Eastern DRC. He asserted that numerous armed groups operating in the region are, based on evidence presented in his speech, proxies for Kigali.
He also recounted the various justifications offered over the years by Rwandan President Paul Kagame for his country’s involvement in the DRC, including the presence of the FDLR and the purported protection of the Tutsi community in Kivu.
For Mende, these arguments have progressively morphed into territorial claims, which he deemed incompatible with the territorial integrity of the DRC.
“All is not irrevocably lost”
Despite the severity of the circumstances, the head of the CCU expressed optimism. He believes that the diplomatic pressure exerted on Kigali offers a favorable advantage for the DRC.
He specifically cited American sanctions, considering them instrumental in increasing pressure on the Rwandan regime.
Lambert Mende also commended the voluntary disarmament process of the FDLR, portraying it as a crucial step that, in his view, removes one of Kigali’s primary justifications for its forces’ presence in Eastern Congo.
National dialogue: CCU sets conditions
Regarding a potential inclusive National Dialogue, Lambert Mende noted a nascent 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 confronting Rwandan aggression and bolstering national cohesion. This implies that the Dialogue should primarily aim to develop and implement mechanisms for preventing and protecting against terrorism, “regardless of its origin.”
Nevertheless, Lambert Mende expressed reservations about the participation of individuals duly convicted by justice or sanctioned by the international community for collusion with the aggressor. He also maintained that members of armed groups actively collaborating with Rwanda, who do not formally disassociate themselves, should be excluded from this forum.
Constitutional reform: Mende urges perspective on controversies
Constitutional reform was another significant aspect of this address.
The former minister and government spokesperson under Joseph Kabila emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the adoption of a referendum law and the actual organization of a constitutional referendum. He reiterated that a referendum is a popular consultation inherent to constitutional democracy.
He further argued that states can adjust their political-institutional calendars when faced with exceptional circumstances. He cited examples such as the United States during major 20th-century crises and Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict.
Tshisekedi’s continued leadership during aggression
Lambert Mende’s speech directly addressed the political future of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.
The CCU asserted that as long as Rwandan aggression against the DRC persists, the head of state should remain in office. Lambert Mende presented Félix Tshisekedi as the only leader, among the four who have governed the DRC since 1996, to have, in his assessment, undertaken significant political, military, and diplomatic measures against this aggression.
This position emerges amid intense debate within the Congolese political class concerning constitutional reform and the country’s institutional future.
“Our common home is burning”
Continuing his appeal for national cohesion, Lambert Mende urged Congolese citizens to temporarily sideline their political differences, which he believes can be addressed later. He stressed that priority must be given to the security and survival of the Congolese state, within a context he also described as humanitarian.
The CCU leader notably mentioned the evolving Ebola virus epidemic in areas situated along the front line separating Rwandan and Congolese forces in the East of the country.
Call for a strategic alliance with the United States
In conclusion, Lambert Mende voiced support for President Tshisekedi’s initiative to forge a strategic alliance between the DRC and the United States. He believes this partnership could enhance the resilience of the Congolese people and enable the country to build a genuine power strategy against the threats it confronts.
“Our common home is burning,” Lambert Mende emphatically declared, imploring Congolese citizens to transcend political disputes and rally around the defense of territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The message from the CCU’s Lumumbists thus serves as a powerful plea for national unity, cohesion, and the concentrated efforts of Congolese forces against the security crisis.
“Long live the Democratic Republic of Congo, one and indivisible!” Lambert Mende Omalanga concluded.
