DRC churches split over constitutional reform

The constitutional reform project championed by the government in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to stir debate. While revival churches back the initiative, the Catholic Church urges caution and calls for safeguarding democratic gains.

This divide emerges as the constitutional revision process reaches a new milestone, following the adoption of a referendum bill by national deputies.

Revival churches support the reform

Revival churches align with the authorities’ view that the 2006 constitution no longer meets the country’s institutional realities.

Archbishop Evariste Ejiba Yamampia, president of the revival churches in Congo, believes this reform could improve governance and development.

“It’s a matter of sovereignty for our territory. It’s also about governance. Thirdly, it’s about development and the well-being of our people. It will make a difference because there is a chance to properly enjoy the country’s wealth. We can eliminate budget-consuming entities,” he explains.

Catholic Church urges preserving democratic achievements

On the other hand, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco) has yet to take an official stance. However, the Council of the Apostolate of Catholic Laypeople in Congo (CALCC) reaffirms the Catholic Church’s attachment to the current constitution, seen as the foundation of the young Congolese democracy.

“The Church has always maintained that the current constitution is the bedrock of our young democracy. The Church has also always called for dialogue and wisdom. It has regularly reminded those in power that authority is a service. I also acknowledge that the Church has always reminded us Catholic laypeople, and all people of goodwill living in the DRC, to exercise citizen vigilance,” insists Faustin Onombili, president of CALCC.

Reform contested by the opposition

Beyond the religious debate, the reform project is also fueling political tensions. The opposition accuses President Félix Tshisekedi of seeking to alter institutional rules to his advantage.

The Article 64 Coalition, which denounces a “constitutional coup,” was set to file a complaint on Tuesday but postponed the move to focus on a sit-in planned for Friday outside Parliament.

With the referendum approaching, the constitutional reform debate appears more polarized than ever, split between those who advocate for adapting institutions and those who defend the democratic framework established by the 2006 constitution.