Catholic bishops in the DRC stand firm against constitutional changes proposed by Tshisekedi

The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has voiced a strong rejection of President Félix Tshisekedi’s initiative to overhaul the national constitution. The clergy warns that such a move could trigger severe institutional turmoil and jeopardize the nation’s democratic progress. This stance adds significant weight to a debate that has dominated the political landscape in Kinshasa for months.

The Church takes a stand against constitutional reform

In a notably firm statement, the Congolese episcopate described any modification to the Fundamental Law as ill-timed in the current climate. CENCO, a powerful voice in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s public sphere, maintains that the 2006 Constitution remains a vital reference point, born from a difficult national consensus following years of transition. The bishops express concern that altering the text might eventually be used to manipulate electoral regulations to benefit those currently in power.

President Félix Tshisekedi first mentioned the need for a new constitution in October 2024, arguing that the existing framework was drafted under foreign influence and restricts national growth. He proposed forming a commission in 2025 to begin the process. It is this specific timeline that has alarmed the Church, opposition parties, and civil society groups alike.

A history of defending democratic limits

This opposition from the bishops follows a long-standing tradition of protecting democratic norms. Back in 2015, during the Joseph Kabila era, CENCO led the charge against attempts to bypass presidential term limits. They also mediated the 2016 Saint Sylvester Agreement, which helped the country navigate a dangerous political crisis. Their current intervention carries substantial political weight due to this history of mediation.

The bishops emphasize that the Congolese Constitution contains “locked” or intangible provisions, specifically regarding the duration and number of presidential terms. They believe that tampering with these safeguards would open a Pandora’s box of institutional problems. While the presidency argues the goal is to modernize the state’s structure rather than extend mandates, the Catholic hierarchy remains unconvinced, calling instead for the strict enforcement of current laws.

With over 40% of the population identifying as Catholic, the Church’s influence is profound. The bishops’ message is being echoed in Sunday sermons across various parishes, indicating a mobilization that reaches far beyond political circles.

A major test for the administration

Despite having a solid majority in the National Assembly following his December 2023 re-election, Félix Tshisekedi faces a complex challenge. The moral authority of CENCO is respected both domestically and by international partners in cities like Washington, Paris, and Brussels. The resistance from the clergy complicates the government’s path forward.

This political tension arrives as the Democratic Republic of Congo deals with a volatile security situation in the East, where the military is fighting M23 rebels in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Some observers worry that a constitutional debate could distract from these critical military and humanitarian efforts. Others view the move as a strategy to strengthen the executive branch amidst regional instability.

The coming months will be pivotal as Parliament, the Union Sacrée coalition, and civil society organizations determine their next steps. The episcopate has made it clear they will not be silent spectators in this process. This confrontation between the government in Kinshasa and the episcopal conference could reshape the political landscape of the country for years to come.