1. Tshisekedi’s national dialogue faces immediate opposition

The C64 opposition coalition rejected President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposed national dialogue and called a national march for 15 September. The dispute is emerging as an early test of whether the initiative can attract meaningful participation beyond actors already aligned with the government.

2. Fighting continues on multiple AFC/M23 fronts

FARDC and allied Wazalendo reportedly repelled an AFC/M23 advance toward Mindjendje and Mpety in Walikale, while further clashes were reported around Point Zéro in Mwenga. The geographically dispersed fighting indicates that the eastern conflict remains fluid despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

3. Ebola response expands as the outbreak spreads

Vaccination began in Tshopo on 28 August, while MSF and the Ministry of Health have opened a new Ebola Treatment Centre in Beni. The outbreak has developed into a significant multi-province public-health emergency.

4. Attacks on health facilities threaten the Ebola response

Four health facilities in Butembo have been burned within approximately one month amid rumours surrounding the Ebola response. In Mambasa, MONUSCO has deployed a mobile base to help protect treatment centres and health workers, highlighting the growing intersection between the outbreak, insecurity and community mistrust.

5. Lobito Corridor moves closer to implementation

The government is advancing the $1.26 billion Dilolo–Sakania railway concession, the Congolese component of the Lobito Corridor. Kinshasa is positioning the project as more than a mineral-export route, with ambitions around local processing, agriculture, industrial development and regional trade.