DRC constitution row: Catholic Church warns of ‘republican pact collapse’

The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a stern warning against proposed constitutional amendments that could undermine the 18 February 2006 constitution. In a strongly worded statement, the Church cautioned that tampering with locked provisions risks national balkanization and warned of potential ethnic and tribal conflicts.

Church opposes constitutional changes perceived as power retention strategy

In a press briefing led by CENCO spokesperson Donatien Nshole, the Church condemned moves it views as attempts to extend the current president’s term. Nshole argued that such changes would violate a hard-won political compromise that ended previous crises since the country’s independence.

The Church specifically targeted the new referendum law, which it claims was passed under the guise of filling a legal void but would enable unconstitutional amendments to non-amendable provisions under Article 220.

CENCO highlights dangers of constitutional tampering

Nshole emphasized that Article 220, which locks certain presidential term limits and numbers, serves as a crucial safeguard against dictatorship and state capture. He warned that forceful constitutional changes could destabilize the nation, potentially triggering another civil war amid escalating political rivalries with ethnic and tribal undertones.

The Church concluded its statement by asserting that no necessity, urgency, or opportunity justifies constitutional changes. Instead, CENCO urged prioritizing peace, social welfare, national unity, and cohesion for the Congolese people.

This article reflects the Church’s position based on its official communication to the public.