Negotiations among the representatives of Martin Fayulu, Delly Sesanga, Denis Mukwege, and Moise Katumbi, all candidates in the upcoming December 2023 presidential election, concluded on Friday in Pretoria.
Initiated on November 12 by ITI and the Kofi Annan Foundation, these talks resulted in the adoption of documents outlining the establishment of a new coalition. The objective is to select a common candidate to represent the coalition in the presidential election on December 20.
The negotiations were marked by intense discussions, with delegates often withdrawing for closed-door sessions, away from the mediation, to reach compromises on points of contention.
At one point, the Martin Fayulu camp found itself isolated. Fayulu emphasized the priority of forming what he termed “the alliance for the transparency of the electoral process,” considering a common candidacy as a possibility rather than an immediate obligation. Conversely, for other participants, a common candidacy appeared essential for electoral success.
Ultimately, delegates from the four other candidates signed a final declaration, affirming the adoption of a common program. This program aims to consolidate their respective political projects, with an agreement to pool efforts in monitoring the electoral process while deciding to form a new coalition.
This coalition, named “Congo ya Makasi” in Lingala, translates to “A Strong Congo” in French.
Its primary objective is to achieve a common candidacy, a matter to be deliberated among the candidates themselves, although the delegates have diligently defined criteria for the selection of this common candidate.