Kinshasa, March 2nd, 2026 (CPA) – Participants in the National Forum on Customary Affairs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were urged on Monday by President Félix Tshisekedi to develop a National Policy for the sector that integrates, in particular, the rights of indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups. The call was made during the opening session at the Central African Cultural and Artistic Center in Kinshasa. “The first expectation is to outline the broad framework of a National Policy on Customary Affairs that clarifies roles, responsibilities, criteria of legitimacy, and coordination with the institutions of the Republic (…). The third expectation is to fully integrate indigenous peoples, notably Pygmy communities, into this framework, while respecting their specificities, rights, and participation in national life. A Republic leaves none of its components behind,” declared the Head of State. President Tshisekedi clarified that the objective of the forum is to lay the foundations for a genuine National Policy on Customary Affairs, backed by concrete decisions, monitoring mechanisms, and a shared vision. He further expressed expectations regarding the establishment of a reliable database of customary entities and the strengthening of their mediation role. “The second expectation is to provide the country with a reliable and updated database of customary entities and their leaders, in order to prevent confusion, manipulation, and succession conflicts that weaken our communities and open the door to interference. (…) The fourth expectation is to see you reinforce the role of customary authorities in mediation and conflict prevention, whether in land disputes, inter-community conflicts, coexistence between agriculture and mining activities, or tensions related to natural resource management,” he enumerated. The Congolese President also emphasized the importance of promoting women’s participation within this governance model, which must adapt to present-day challenges. “Finally, the fifth expectation is to see you promote the role of women and youth in the customary dynamic. Our living tradition must engage with the demands of our time by valuing all active forces within our communities,” he stressed.
According to the Head of State, by the conclusion of the proceedings, the country should have clear guidelines for the governance of customary affairs, modern management tools for customary entities, and a common roadmap to make customary authority a pillar of peace, security, national cohesion, and local development.