Negotiations continue with the aim of facilitating the return of Succès Masra, who has been in exile since the violent crackdown on protests that took place on October 20, 2022.
The opposition figure has been in Kinshasa since October 27, where he is scheduled to meet with the Congolese President, Félix Tshisekedi, who has been designated as a facilitator by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in the ongoing crisis. A Chadian delegation has arrived in the Congolese capital to meet with Succès Masra.
After a weekend of discussions with Succès Masra, the Congolese facilitation team welcomed a Chadian government delegation to Kinshasa on Sunday, October 29. This delegation includes key figures such as the Minister of Reconciliation, Abderaman Koulamallah, and the Minister of Communication, Aziz Mahamat Saleh.
This group has come to engage in a face-to-face meeting with the opposition figure, scheduled for Tuesday, in the presence of the facilitator, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. This marks a significant step in the facilitation process, with insiders in Kinshasa describing it as a “decisive stage.” They express optimism that an agreement is closer than ever.
However, it is acknowledged in Kinshasa that the international arrest warrant issued against Succès Masra remains a significant obstacle to his return. The legality of this arrest warrant is being challenged by lawyers representing Masra’s party, Les Transformateurs.
The ongoing negotiations in Kinshasa illustrate the intricate web of political dynamics and legal challenges in the effort to resolve the crisis and facilitate the return of an exiled opposition figure. The involvement of regional leaders and the complex legal issues surrounding the arrest warrant demonstrate the multifaceted nature of this process.