DR Congo: Tough Sell For Tshisekedi’s Constitutional Amendment Bid

By Badylon Kawanda Bakiman

President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has just announced the revision of the Constitution in order to adapt it, according to him, to the realities of the Congo. The President made his announcement on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in Kinsangani, capital of the Tshopo province in the east of the country.

It was during his message to the population. The President put forward a number of reasons for this revision, which he said could begin next year.

“Our Constitution is no good. It was written abroad, by foreigners. We need a Constitution adapted to Congolese realities.

The president doesn't have the power to change his mandate, but the people do. It's not a matter of urgency. Next year, I will set up a national commission to reflect on a Constitution adapted to our realities”, declared President Félix Tshisekedi.

He added: “Don't be afraid, our Constitution has weaknesses. I ask our elected representatives to look into this. But our enemies want to take advantage of this to read it in a different way”.

The President of the Republic also made it clear that the question of the number of terms of office is clear. It can only be settled by referendum.

“Our Constitution does indeed have weaknesses that deserve to be corrected”, he insisted.

Several players are opposed to this idea

Voices continue to be raised in energetic opposition to this presidential announcement.

This is the case of Jonas Tshombela, coordinator of the Nouvelle Société du Congo. He asserted that the country is living under a state of siege, which does not allow the fundamental law to be changed or modified.

Felix Tshisekedi's project is also contested by Martin Fayulu's opposition political platform Lamuka.

According to Prince Epenge, spokesman for this opposition grouping, the current Constitution has cemented the unity of the Congolese people.

“As much as the people had said no to its modification under the reign of former president Joseph Kabila, it will be the same under the power of Felix Tshisekedi”, he said.

For its part, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo has not remained silent. Through the voice of Mgr Donacien Nshole, General Secretary, this institution of the Catholic Church in the DRC sounded the alarm: “The Head of State said that in the current socio-political context, it would not be appropriate. He also added that he has no intention of staying in power forever”, said the cleric, referring to a meeting with President Tshisekedi.