The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a clear and decisive rejection of President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal to revise the national constitution. Catholic leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo warn that such a reform could trigger significant institutional instability and undermine the democratic progress achieved by the nation. This high-level intervention adds a critical layer to a political debate that has been intensifying in Kinshasa for several months.
Catholic leaders stand firm against constitutional amendments
In a notably stern declaration, the Congolese clergy described any modification to the Basic Law as inappropriate given the current national climate. CENCO, an organization with long-standing influence in the public sphere of the DRC, maintains that the 2006 Constitution remains the only legitimate framework, representing a hard-won national consensus reached after years of political transition. The prelates expressed concern that altering the text might eventually be used to manipulate electoral regulations in favor of the current administration.
President Félix Tshisekedi first suggested the need for a new Constitution in late 2024, arguing that the country requires a framework better suited to Congolese realities. The Head of State claimed the existing document was drafted under foreign pressure and serves as an obstacle to national growth. While a commission was expected to begin formal discussions in 2025, this prospect has sparked deep anxiety within the Church, as well as among opposition figures and civil society groups.
A history of resisting presidential term extensions
The current opposition from the bishops follows a consistent historical pattern. Back in 2015, during the presidency of Joseph Kabila, CENCO was instrumental in protesting attempts to change presidential term limits. The clergy also served as a vital mediator during the 2016 Saint-Sylvestre agreement, which helped the country navigate a major political crisis. This history of mediation gives their current stance significant political weight.
The bishops emphasized that certain sections of the Congolese Constitution are legally protected and unchangeable, specifically those regarding the duration and number of presidential terms. In their view, tampering with these “locked” provisions would be akin to opening a political Pandora’s box. While supporters of the President argue that the goal is to modernize the state’s architecture rather than extend a mandate, this distinction has failed to reassure the Catholic hierarchy, which advocates for the strict enforcement of existing laws.
This debate extends beyond legal technicalities into the realm of social influence, as over 40% of the population identifies as Catholic. The bishops’ message is being amplified through Sunday sermons in various parishes, indicating a grassroots mobilization that reaches far beyond the political elite in Kinshasa.
The constitutional debate as a test for the administration
Following his re-election in December 2023, Félix Tshisekedi holds a substantial majority in the National Assembly, which theoretically simplifies the process for initiating a revision. However, the resistance from CENCO introduces a complex moral and social hurdle. The President must now navigate opposition from an institution with immense moral authority, whose actions are closely monitored by international partners in Washington, Paris, and Brussels.
The timing of this constitutional push is also under scrutiny due to the ongoing security crisis in the eastern DRC. With the national army engaged in conflict against M23 rebels in North Kivu and South Kivu, many observers worry that a constitutional battle could distract from urgent humanitarian and military priorities. Conversely, some see the move as an attempt to strengthen the executive branch amidst regional volatility and external pressures.
The coming months will reveal whether the government proceeds with its original timeline or chooses a more cautious approach. As Parliament and the Union Sacrée coalition prepare to take their stands, the Catholic leadership has made it clear they will not be passive observers. This growing tension between the government and the episcopal conference could fundamentally reshape the political landscape of the DRC for years to come.
