Rdc constitutional reform: will Félix Tshisekedi heed the church’s warning?
The Article 64 coalition, which is fiercely resisting the proposed constitutional changes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), has gained a powerful ally. The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has explicitly denounced the project. This initiative is widely seen as a maneuver to allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, bypassing the current two-term limit. The Catholic Church warns that such a political move places the entire nation in jeopardy.
Ignoring the warnings could be a grave mistake for the presidency
The religious leadership believes that any attempt to force these changes through carries grave dangers, including the potential fragmentation of the country. With the nation already facing significant challenges, the clergy is urging the Congolese people to stand up and secure their future before it is permanently compromised. Furthermore, CENCO has called upon Félix Tshisekedi to remain faithful to his inaugural oath to uphold and protect the Constitution.
Whether these pleas will be heard remains to be seen. However, it is certain that the administration will view CENCO’s intervention with hostility. This pushback comes shortly after the parliament approved a referendum law, clearing the path for the executive branch to organize a public vote on the changes. The government appears determined to proceed, raising questions about whether the Church is speaking to a closed-minded leadership. Félix Tshisekedi must decide if he will allow wisdom to guide his next steps.
While the prelates maintain they are not formally joining the political opposition, their firm stance provides significant momentum to those fighting the reform. President Félix Tshisekedi would be unwise to ignore this growing dissent. Opening multiple political fronts could weaken his administration and lead to severe consequences. The Church is simply fulfilling its role as a peacemaker by opposing a project that threatens to divide the population and spark new crises. As citizens of the RDC, the clergy are deeply invested in the nation’s stability and cannot be excluded from the conversation. The question remains: will the influence of the Church be enough to sway the President? The situation is clearly causing embarrassment for the regime, especially as CENCO prepares its followers for potential future actions.
The Congolese people are already enduring immense hardship
Félix Tshisekedi faces the prospect of significant unrest in the coming months. While he may have felt he could resist the traditional political opposition, the entry of CENCO as a major civil society actor changes the landscape. His current project is particularly controversial given his own history; he benefited from the Church’s efforts in 2017 when they helped prevent Joseph Kabila from extending his stay in power.
Ultimately, if the President wishes to leave a positive mark on history, he must think twice. Between the persistent conflict in the East and the threat of Ebola, the people of the RDC have suffered enough. Adding a constitutional crisis to these existing burdens would be a tragic mistake for the country’s future.
