The constitutional reform proposal championed by President Félix Tshisekedi has ignited sharp divisions within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s religious sphere. While Pentecostal churches endorse the initiative, the Catholic Church is urging caution and protection of democratic achievements.
This ideological split deepens as the constitutional revision process advances, with national legislators having already endorsed the referendum bill.
Pentecostal leaders champion institutional change
Pentecostal denominations align with the government’s stance that the 2006 Constitution no longer reflects the country’s institutional realities.
Archbishop Evariste Ejiba Yamampia, who leads the Pentecostal Churches Council in Congo, argues that reform could strengthen governance and accelerate national development.
“This is about national sovereignty, better governance, and improving the wellbeing of our people. It will allow us to fully benefit from our natural resources and eliminate wasteful entities that drain the budget.”
Catholic leadership warns of democratic backsliding
The National Episcopal Conference of Congo has yet to issue an official statement, but the Catholic Apostolate of Laypeople in Congo is stressing its commitment to the existing Constitution, seen as the cornerstone of the nation’s fledgling democracy.
“The Church has consistently maintained that the current Constitution underpins our young democracy. We have always advocated for dialogue and wisdom, reminding leaders that power is a service. We also call on all citizens to remain vigilant.”
Faustin Onombili, president of the Catholic Apostolate, emphasized the need to preserve democratic gains amid calls for constitutional change.
Opposition voices grow louder ahead of referendum
The political opposition has intensified its criticism, accusing President Tshisekedi of attempting to reshape institutions to his advantage.
The Article 64 Coalition, which has labeled the reform a “constitutional coup”, had planned to file a legal complaint but postponed the move to prioritize a planned Friday sit-in outside Parliament.
With the referendum approaching, the debate over constitutional reform has become increasingly polarized, pitting those advocating institutional modernization against defenders of the 2006 democratic framework.
