Congolese bishops stand firm against constitutional changes in DRC

The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a clear rejection of the proposed constitutional overhaul championed by President Félix Tshisekedi. These high-ranking Catholic leaders in the République démocratique du Congo argue that such a move would trigger severe institutional volatility and undermine the democratic progress achieved by the nation. This intervention has intensified the ongoing political discourse in Kinshasa, which has been building for several months.

Catholic leadership opposes legal reforms

In a statement of significant resolve, the Congolese clergy expressed firm disapproval, stating that modifying the fundamental law is inappropriate in the current climate. CENCO, which holds substantial influence in the public sphere of the RDC, emphasizes that the 2006 Constitution remains a vital framework, born from a complex national consensus following years of transition. There is a deep-seated fear among the prelates that a new text might be used to alter electoral regulations to favor those currently in power.

In late 2024, President Félix Tshisekedi argued for a new constitution tailored to local realities, claiming the existing one was shaped by foreign interests and obstructs national growth. While a commission is slated for 2025 to study these changes, the prospect has alarmed the Church, opposition figures, and civil society groups alike, who see it as a potential threat to democratic stability.

A legacy of protecting democratic limits

This resistance from the bishops follows a long-standing tradition of defending the rule of law. Back in 2015, under the administration of Joseph Kabila, CENCO led the charge against attempts to remove presidential term limits. Their mediation during the 2016 Saint-Sylvestre agreement was crucial in preventing a national crisis. This history gives their current stance significant weight in the current political landscape.

The bishops highlight that certain parts of the Congolese Constitution, such as the duration and number of presidential terms, are legally locked and considered intangible. They believe tampering with these provisions would open a Pandora’s box of institutional uncertainty. While the presidency claims the goal is state restructuring rather than term extension, the Catholic hierarchy remains unconvinced, calling instead for the strict enforcement of current laws.

Beyond the legal arguments, the issue carries immense symbolic weight in a country where over 40% of the population identifies as Catholic. The Church’s voice resonates far beyond political circles, with messages already being shared in Sunday sermons across various parishes, signaling a broad mobilization of the faithful.

A test for the Félix Tshisekedi administration

Despite holding a strong majority in the National Assembly following his December 2023 re-election, Félix Tshisekedi must navigate the moral authority of the Church. The positions held by CENCO are closely watched by international partners in Washington, Paris, and Bruxelles, complicating the government’s path toward reform.

This political friction occurs while the nation faces a dire security situation in the East, where the military is battling the M23 group in the provinces of Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu. Some observers worry that a constitutional battle could distract from these urgent military and humanitarian crises, while others see it as a move to consolidate executive power amidst regional turbulence. The coming months will be critical as the Parliament and the Union sacrée coalition define their positions, with the bishops making it clear they will not be passive observers.