The proposed constitutional amendment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has ignited significant opposition, with the Coalition Article 64 finding a powerful ally in the Conférence épiscopale nationale de la République démocratique du Congo (CENCO). This influential body of Catholic bishops has unequivocally rejected the amendment project, which they view as a clear attempt to enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Such a move would directly contravene the existing constitutional provisions that strictly limit presidential mandates to two. The Church asserts that this political endeavor poses a grave threat to the stability and future of the nation.
The President risks severe consequences by ignoring these warnings
CENCO warns that any forceful imposition of the amendment carries “enormous risks, including the balkanization of the country.” The religious leaders passionately urged the Congolese populace to rise up, declaring, “The country is suffering; let us stand up. It is imperative to take our destiny into our own hands, otherwise, our future will be mortgaged for a long time.” Beyond this appeal to the people, CENCO directly implored President Tshisekedi to uphold his solemn oath to respect and defend the Constitution.
Whether these calls will be heeded remains to be seen. However, one certainty is that the government is unlikely to welcome CENCO’s firm declaration. This intervention is particularly significant as it follows closely on the heels of Parliament’s vote on a referendum law, effectively greenlighting the Congolese Executive to organize a constitutional referendum. All indications suggest the authorities are determined to push this project through. Is the Church, therefore, speaking to deaf ears? Will President Tshisekedi be moved by this spiritual appeal?
While the prelates maintain they are not aligning with the political opposition, their resolute stance in such a contentious debate undeniably strengthens the position of all those who oppose the constitutional amendment. The President, residing in the Palais de marbre, would be ill-advised to continue disregarding these mounting concerns. An escalation of opposition on multiple fronts could, in various ways, destabilize his administration. Without predicting doom, such a scenario could prove highly detrimental to his leadership.
The Church is undeniably fulfilling its role by demanding adherence to constitutional order. As a vital proponent of peace, it cannot overlook a project that deeply divides the Congolese people and appears to be a potential catalyst for conflict. Furthermore, Congolese prelates are integral members of the populace, deeply affected by the nation’s challenges and therefore cannot, and should not, be excluded from seeking solutions. The question remains: will the cassock compel “Fatshi” to reconsider? Only time will tell. Nevertheless, with the public declaration from the prelates, it is safe to say that President Tshisekedi finds himself in a considerably more difficult position, especially as CENCO has called upon ecclesiastics to prepare for future actions, adding to the opposition’s previous protests, which included a “ville morte” (dead city) operation and rallies met with violent repression.
The Congolese people already endure immense suffering; more should not be added
Indeed, President Félix Tshisekedi is likely to face restless nights in the coming days and months. When his challenges were limited to the political opposition, he might have felt more secure in his position. However, with CENCO entering the arena as a significant civil society actor, the prospects for his project’s success appear increasingly compromised. Tshisekedi’s current predicament is compounded by the fact that he himself benefited from CENCO’s advocacy during his time in opposition. It was, in part, the Catholic Church that pressured his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, to abandon his attempt to extend his tenure as head of state in 2017.
Therefore, “Fatshi” would be wise to exercise restraint and prudence. If he aspires to leave a lasting positive legacy, he must carefully consider his next steps. With the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC and the pervasive threat of Ebola, the Congolese people are already enduring profound hardship; adding further political instability would be an unforgivable burden.