The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a firm refusal regarding President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal to amend the national constitution. Catholic leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo argue that such a move would trigger severe institutional volatility and undermine the democratic progress achieved by the nation. This public stance adds significant weight to a political debate that has been simmering in Kinshasa for several months.
The Catholic Church stands firm against constitutional changes
In a notably resolute statement, the Congolese clergy described any attempt to modify the Basic Law as ill-timed. CENCO, a historically influential voice in the public sphere of the RDC, maintains that the 2006 Constitution remains the only legitimate framework, born from a hard-won national consensus following years of transition. The bishops express concern that altering the text could eventually be used to manipulate electoral regulations to favor the current administration.
President Félix Tshisekedi first suggested the need for a new constitution in October 2024, arguing that the existing document was drafted under foreign pressure and obstructs the country’s growth. He proposed forming a commission in 2025 to evaluate these changes. It is this very timeline that has alarmed the Church, alongside segments of the political opposition and civil society.
A history of protecting democratic limits
This opposition from the bishops follows a long-standing pattern of intervention. Back in 2015, during the presidency of Joseph Kabila, CENCO led the charge against efforts to scrap presidential term limits. Their mediation during the Saint Sylvester Agreement in late 2016 was also vital in preventing a national crisis. This track record ensures that their current warnings carry immense political weight.
The clergy emphasized that the Congolese Constitution contains “locked” or intangible clauses, specifically regarding the duration and number of presidential terms. They believe that tampering with these protections would open a metaphorical Pandora’s box. While the president’s supporters argue the goal is to modernize the state’s structure rather than extend power, the Catholic hierarchy remains unconvinced, calling instead for the strict enforcement of current laws.
This dispute transcends legal technicalities, holding deep symbolic value in a country where over 40% of the population identifies as Catholic. The bishops’ message is being amplified through Sunday sermons across various parishes, indicating a grassroots mobilization that extends beyond the upper echelons of the Church.
A major challenge for Félix Tshisekedi’s second term
Having secured a second term in December 2023 with a strong legislative majority, Félix Tshisekedi technically possesses the numbers to initiate a revision. However, the resistance from CENCO complicates the political landscape. The president must navigate the opposition of an institution with significant moral authority, whose actions are closely monitored by international partners in Washington, Paris, and Bruxelles.
Observers point out that this constitutional debate is unfolding while the nation faces a dire security situation in the East. The Congolese army is currently engaged in heavy fighting against M23 rebels in North Kivu and South Kivu. Some experts fear that a constitutional battle could distract from urgent military and humanitarian priorities, while others suggest the move is intended to strengthen the executive branch amidst regional instability.
The coming months will reveal whether the government proceeds with its 2025 timeline or opts for a more cautious approach. As the Parliament and the Union Sacrée coalition prepare to take sides, the Catholic Church has made it clear it will not be a passive observer. This tension between Kinshasa and the bishops could fundamentally reshape the political future of the RDC.
