Congolese Opposition Leaders Call for Talks Between Kabila and Etienne Tshisekedi

Congolese opposition leaders have called for talks between President Joseph Kabila and his arch rival Etienne Tshisekedi and the unconditional release of all political prisoners.  

Jean-Claude Vuemba, the president the Movement of the Congolese People’s Republic-MPCR says the problems of DRC will not end with the cessation of hostilities between government and M23 rebel, but other problems need to be addressed as well. 

Vuemba, who claims to have consulted other opposition politicians, says there has been tension between Kabila and Tshisekedi since the disputed general elections in November 2011. Etienne, who heads the Union for democracy and social progress-UDPS has never accepts the outcomes of the polls and considers himself president. 

Mvuemba says there is need for urgent talks between the two political rivarls to stem the tension in the country, which has left many people in fear.  He cautions Kabila against over relying on the UN Mission-MONUSCO in DRC saying the country needs to train and equip its own army.  Vuemba also stresses the need for talks between the Kinshasa and Kigali Government, which is accused of bankrolling M23 rebels in the North Kivu Province of DRC.

He says that the move by Rwanda to increase the presence of its forces along the Border with DRC should not be taken for granted adding that, it is high time they explore peaceful and long-lasting solutions to ensure that Congolese who fled into exile return to their country and participate in rebuilding it.