While political opposition groups have primarily led the charge against altering the Constitution, CENCO’s endorsement now significantly strengthens this position, given the institution’s considerable influence over public opinion.

According to Father Donatien Nshole, CENCO’s Secretary General, the constitutional overhaul envisioned by the ruling authorities is neither essential, pressing, nor timely.

“We urge all clergy and pastoral agents to widely disseminate this message and, through various means, awaken the conscience of our faithful and all people of good will, encouraging resistance against any attempts to manipulate a constitutional change. We reserve the right to inform you, when the time is right, of concrete actions to be undertaken.”

The Catholic prelates appear determined to influence the political discourse, cautioning against any initiatives they believe could further destabilize the nation, especially amidst ongoing insecurity in the East and pervasive social tensions.

Nevertheless, in the bustling streets of Kinshasa, CENCO’s stance elicits diverse interpretations from residents.

“Many people are focused on the President, thinking he might seek another term. Yet, we must prioritize the general interest because he is genuinely working for the people,” one young woman commented.

Another citizen questioned, “If we look closely, the country itself is not in a good state. There’s a state of siege, a state of war in the East. How can we consider changing the Constitution under such circumstances?”

A young man offered a different perspective, suggesting, “The Constitution should also facilitate our entry onto the international stage. If the Constitution isn’t adapted, we won’t secure our place as a sovereign state, especially concerning our capacity to establish treaties and so forth.”

CENCO’s Significant Influence

While CENCO lacks direct institutional power to halt a potential constitutional overhaul, its social, political, and diplomatic influence remains substantial, as highlighted by political analyst Christian Moleka.

“The Catholic Church will certainly mobilize, but there’s a new factor: the mobilization of other church denominations, particularly the so-called ‘awakening churches’,” Moleka explained. “The Catholic Church’s advantage lies in its ability to mobilize across the entire country, which other churches might not achieve, as well as its diplomatic leverage. Its voice resonates not only on the streets of Kinshasa but also internationally, where it can champion this issue.”

As the debate intensifies, the opposition has already declared plans for street demonstrations on July 8, this time demanding the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi. The Secretary General of the presidential party, UDPS, has accused the opposition of attempting to incite a popular uprising across the nation.