(Ecofin Agency) - The unrest in East DRC remains worrisome. Mediation efforts, both regional and international, have failed to bring calm. New talks are now underway to try to ease internal divisions and genuinely seek sustainable solutions.

Political talks to form a national unity government began Monday in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The announcement came from Désiré-Cashmir Kolongele Eberande, the president’s security advisor, during a press conference held on March 22.

La démarche que nous poursuivons, à travers ces Consultations, est celle de l’inclusion de tous reposant sur ces catégories d’entités et des personnalités : pic.twitter.com/Bpv7gTGcbh

— Professeur Dr. Desiré-Cashmir Kolongele Eberande (@kolongele) March 22, 2025

The goal is to bring together political groups and civil society around shared values like national unity, sovereignty, and respect for the Constitution. Talks seek to build a more inclusive government that can address the country’s major challenges, especially the ongoing security crisis in the eastern region.

The discussions will involve the parliamentary majority, opposition parties, civil society groups, and independent figures. There is also talk of allowing representatives of the AFC/M23 rebel group to join the process, although this would depend on certain conditions.

These efforts follow a speech given by President Félix Tshisekedi on February 22, in which he called on members of the ruling coalition, known as the Sacred Union of the Nation, to set aside internal divisions in order to face external threats more effectively.

The situation in the east remains tense. The M23 group has taken control of several key areas near Goma and Bukavu. Despite mediation efforts and pressure from regional and international partners, peace has yet to return to the region.

On the economic front, the country is also facing headwinds. Growth is expected to slow from 7.9% in 2024 to 5.7% in 2025. However, the mining sector continues to play a major role in supporting the economy. Inflation has dropped from 23.75% at the end of 2023 to 11.69%, showing signs of greater monetary stability.

Many see the push for a unity government as a chance to improve security and broaden the country’s economic base. But some remain skeptical. Critics worry that the move may be more about tightening control over power than finding real solutions to Congo’s deep-rooted problems.