Congolese bishops openly challenge president tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul plans

The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has unequivocally declared its opposition to President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposed constitutional amendment. The Catholic bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo contend that such a sweeping reform risks ushering in profound institutional instability and undermining the nation’s hard-won democratic progress. Their recent public statement has significantly amplified a contentious debate that has already gripped Kinshasa’s political circles for many months.

Catholic Church takes a firm stand on constitutional changes

In a remarkably resolute declaration, the Congolese episcopate asserted that any alteration to the fundamental law is ill-advised given the current national climate. CENCO, an historically influential voice in the DRC’s public discourse, maintains that the 2006 Constitution remains a valid foundational framework, representing a challenging national compromise forged after years of transitional governance. The prelates expressed deep concern that amending the document could ultimately serve to reshape electoral regulations, potentially favoring the incumbent administration.

President Félix Tshisekedi first articulated in October 2024 the need for a new Constitution, one he believes would be better tailored to Congolese realities. The head of state has argued that the existing charter was drafted under foreign influence and impedes national development. A special commission was slated to commence deliberations on this matter in 2025. It is precisely this proposed initiative that has raised alarms not only within the Church but also among segments of the opposition and civil society.

A history of resisting attempts to extend terms

The bishops’ current stance aligns with a consistent pattern of political engagement. As far back as 2015, during Joseph Kabila’s presidency, CENCO actively campaigned against any efforts to alter presidential term limits. Furthermore, the conference played a pivotal role in brokering the Saint-Sylvestre agreement in December 2016, a pact instrumental in averting a major national crisis. This historical track record lends significant political weight to their present pronouncements.

The prelates underscored that the Congolese Constitution contains entrenched provisions, deemed “intangible,” which include the stipulations regarding the number and length of presidential terms. In their view, tampering with these fundamental safeguards would risk unleashing institutional chaos. The presidential camp counters by asserting that their intention is not to extend mandates but rather to fundamentally rethink the state’s structural framework. This distinction, however, has evidently failed to sway the Catholic hierarchy, which advocates instead for the stringent enforcement of current legal texts.

Beyond its legal ramifications, this issue carries profound symbolic weight in a nation where over 40% of the populace identifies as Catholic. The voice of the episcopate commands an influential platform that extends far beyond activist circles. Already, numerous parishes have echoed the bishops’ message during Sunday homilies, signaling a mobilization that reaches beyond the Church’s senior leadership.

A critical test for Félix Tshisekedi’s administration

Re-elected in December 2023 for a second term, Félix Tshisekedi commands a significant majority in the National Assembly, which theoretically paves the way for initiating a revision process. However, CENCO’s staunch resistance significantly complicates this political calculus. The head of state now faces the challenge of navigating an influential entity whose moral authority remains undiminished and whose pronouncements are closely monitored by Western diplomatic missions, particularly in Brussels, Paris, and Washington.

Analysts observe that this constitutional debate unfolds against a backdrop of escalating security tensions in the eastern regions of the country, where the Congolese army is actively engaged in conflict with the M23 rebel group across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Some commentators suggest that opening a constitutional “front” could divert crucial attention from pressing military and humanitarian concerns. Conversely, others interpret it as a strategic move designed to bolster the executive’s position amid external pressures and regional instability.

The question now looms whether the government will adhere to its proposed timeline or opt for a period of delay. The coming months are poised to be pivotal, as Parliament, the parties within the Sacred Union coalition, and civil society organizations are compelled to declare their stances. The episcopate, for its part, has unambiguously stated its refusal to remain a passive observer. This escalating confrontation between Kinshasa and the episcopal conference has the potential to reshape the political landscape of the DRC for years to come. The bishops’ declaration signals a distinct departure from the diplomatic caution previously maintained.