Catholic Church stands against constitutional revision in DR Congo

The Article 64 coalition, which is actively resisting the proposed constitutional changes in the République démocratique du Congo (RDC), has gained a powerful ally. The Conférence épiscopale nationale de la République démocratique du Congo (CENCO) has explicitly denounced the plan, which many view as a maneuver to grant President Félix Tshisekedi a third term, bypassing current legal limits that restrict a head of state to two terms. Religious leaders argue that this political move threatens the very foundation of the nation.

The presidency risks instability by ignoring mounting opposition

Clergy members warn that forcing these changes through could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the potential balkanization of the country. “Our nation is in distress; we must stand up,” they declared, urging the Congolese people to seize control of their future before it is permanently compromised. CENCO further appealed to President Félix Tshisekedi to uphold his inaugural pledge to protect the Constitution. Whether this plea will be heard remains a critical question for the coming weeks.

The administration is unlikely to welcome this intervention, especially following the recent parliamentary approval of a referendum law that clears the way for the executive branch to organize a public vote. It appears the government is determined to proceed at any cost, raising the question of whether the Church’s warnings will fall on deaf ears. The current trajectory suggests a growing alignment between the Catholic Church and the political opposition. While the prelates maintain they are not formally joining the opposition, their firm stance provides significant momentum to those fighting the amendment.

Ignoring this mounting pressure could prove dangerous for the current administration. As advocates for peace, the clergy are fulfilling their duty by demanding respect for the constitutional order. They cannot remain silent on a project that risks deepening divisions among the Congolese people. Furthermore, as integral members of society, these religious leaders have every right to involve themselves in finding solutions to the nation’s crises. This new development undoubtedly places Félix Tshisekedi in a difficult position, as CENCO is now calling for further mobilization following the opposition’s recent protests.

The Congolese people are already enduring immense hardship

President Félix Tshisekedi may face increasingly restless nights. While he could previously dismiss the opposition’s demands, the entry of CENCO as a major civil society actor changes the political landscape. The President should remember that he once benefited from the Church’s influence when he was in the opposition; it was the Catholic hierarchy that helped pressure his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, to abandon his own attempts to extend his stay in power in 2017.

If the President wishes to leave a positive legacy, he must weigh his next moves carefully. With the ongoing conflict in the East of the RDC and the persistent threat of Ebola, the population is already suffering enough. Adding political turmoil to these existing crises would only worsen the plight of the citizens.