In a significant move for the Democratic Republic of Congo, a coalition of civil society organizations officially unveiled the « Manifeste de Kasangulu » (Kasangulu Manifesto) on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Kinshasa. Spearheaded by the Crisis Committee of Civil Society for Peace and Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo (CCPS-RDC), this citizen roadmap is presented as a pivotal guiding document for the nation’s profound transformation and recovery.

The Kasangulu Manifesto emerges as a collective response to the multifaceted challenges currently gripping the country, encompassing critical political, security, economic, social, and institutional issues. It is the culmination of an extensive participatory process, bringing together representatives from numerous provinces across the DRC.

This comprehensive document outlines a shared vision for national transformation, emphasizing principles such as responsible governance, lasting peace, enhanced security, social justice, robust citizen participation, accessible education and healthcare, sustainable economic development, environmental protection, and the unwavering strengthening of the rule of law.

The launch ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Mme Sylvie Nakweti, Director of Communication, Advocacy, and Documentation for DYCOD-RDC, who lauded the unwavering commitment of civil society organizations in driving this crucial national renaissance.

Professor Iyoka Jean Bedel subsequently highlighted that the citizen Manifesto is the product of a meticulously inclusive and educational approach, designed to equip the Democratic Republic of Congo with a solid foundation for thoughtful reflection and decisive action towards its rebuilding.

« The citizen Manifesto is the fruit of a pedagogical and inclusive approach aimed at providing the Democratic Republic of Congo with a basis for reflection and action for its renaissance, » Professor Iyoka Jean Bedel affirmed.

Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi, Coordinator of the CCPS-RDC, then formally presented the document, underscoring the historic significance of this initiative. He stressed that the nation is navigating a profound crisis, necessitating widespread national mobilization.

« We launched the citizen Manifesto today, known as the Kasangulu Manifesto, because it was in Kasangulu that the commission responsible for its elaboration convened. This manifesto articulates civil society’s vision for Congo’s recovery. We all agree that our country is enduring a historic crisis. The fundamental question is how to overcome it. The citizen Manifesto aims to provide an answer and a path forward for Congo’s recovery and refoundation, » explained Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi.

He further elaborated on the symbolic timing of the launch, occurring just days before the national independence celebration.

« The choice of date is highly symbolic, as it precedes June 30th, our national independence day. We sought to contribute to the national debate, but more importantly, to sensitize every Congolese to their historical responsibility. This discussion should not be confined solely to political actors. Congo belongs to all Congolese. Above all, the citizen Manifesto is an expression of the citizenry. It is a call to all patriots to defend the Democratic Republic of Congo, » Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi declared.

M. Daie Mutombe Pierrot, President of the Congolese Onusiens, introduced the ideological current intended to support the Manifesto’s widespread adoption. He presented the Democratic Citizen Revolution, championed by the BLOC-RDC movement, which seeks to foster active citizenship, good governance, and national sovereignty. During this event, Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi was elected President of BLOC-RDC, with Professor Iyoka Jean Bedel named Secretary General.

Addressing the ongoing debate surrounding a potential constitutional revision or amendment, the CCPS-RDC coordinator reiterated civil society’s position. He emphasized the imperative of a broad consensus regarding the so-called « locked » constitutional provisions. He also reaffirmed the ambitious vision embedded within the citizen Manifesto, asserting its crucial role in any future constitutional reform discussions.

« Revision is provided for by the Constitution itself. However, we believe that any approach failing to consider all provinces and not contributing to national unity could lead to implosion. For us, the Constitution remains the fundamental instrument of national cohesion. It is the primary text uniting all Congolese people. Regarding the locked articles, which form the core of the debate, we believe consensus is indispensable, » stated Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi.

He continued:

« These provisions were locked through consensus, not electoral means. In law, the principle of parallelism of forms dictates that only a consensus can challenge a consensus. Within this dynamic, we aspire for the citizen Manifesto to become a foundational text for the country’s future orientations. It embodies the vision we, as civil society and as a people, advocate for the renewal of the Democratic Republic of Congo. »

The gathering saw participation from nearly 200 civil society organizations, community representatives, academics, trade unionists, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, youth organizations, women’s movements, human rights defenders, and numerous local leaders. Attendees praised the quality of the document and recommended launching a vast national campaign to ensure its widespread adoption across the entire national territory and within the Congolese diaspora.

Concluding the proceedings, the Crisis Committee of Civil Society for Peace and Security in the DRC urged all segments of the nation to embrace the citizen Manifesto as a vital contribution to the state’s refoundation, the consolidation of peace, and the construction of a more just, prosperous, and democratic future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This significant meeting of civil society organizations unfolds amidst a complex backdrop marked by Rwandan aggression, channeled through the AFC/M23 rebellion, along with the persistent activism of both local and foreign armed groups. This volatile situation exacerbates a severe humanitarian crisis, leading to an increasing number of internally displaced persons and refugees. This is further compounded by reduced international funding, a stalemate in diplomatic initiatives, and ongoing hostilities in the eastern regions of the DRC.

Adding to these challenges is the contentious debate surrounding constitutional reform. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, this issue has spurred two distinct sociopolitical movements: the Coalition Article 64 for the defense of constitutional order (C64) and the Coalition of Congolese for the change of the Constitution (C4). Both factions claim broad popular support for their respective objectives.