The movement to block a constitutional overhaul in the Democratic Republic of Congo has gained a significant ally. The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco), an institution that carries immense weight in national public opinion, has officially voiced its rejection of the plan to alter the Constitution of February 18, 2006.
Secretary General of Cenco, Abbé Donatien Nshole, maintains that the proposed constitutional reform is neither necessary nor urgent, and certainly not opportune in the current climate.
“I call upon all clergy and pastoral agents to spread this message and awaken the consciousness of the faithful and all people of good will,” Nshole stated. “We must resist any manipulations aimed at changing the Constitution. We reserve the right to announce specific actions to be taken when the time is right.”
The Catholic Church says no to constitutional changes
The bishops are seeking to influence the political trajectory of the nation, warning that such initiatives could further weaken the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country is already grappling with persistent insecurity in the East and rising social tensions.
On the streets of Kinshasa, the stance taken by Cenco has sparked a variety of perspectives. Some citizens view the reform through the lens of the presidency. “A significant portion of the public is preoccupied with the President’s future, assuming he wants another term,” one young woman remarked. “However, we should look at the general interest because he is working for the benefit of the people.”
Another resident raised concerns about the timing of such a move: “The nation is currently in a fragile state. We have the state of siege and the conflict in the East. How can we justify changing the Constitution under these circumstances?”
Conversely, a young man argued for the necessity of modernization: “The legal framework needs to be robust enough to support our standing in the international community. If our laws are not adapted, we cannot maintain our status as a sovereign state capable of establishing vital treaties.”
The influence of Cenco
While Cenco lacks formal institutional power to veto legislation, its social, political, and diplomatic reach is undeniable. Political scientist Christian Moleka highlights this unique position.
The Catholic Church has the ability to mobilize citizens across the entire country, a capacity that other religious groups may lack. Furthermore, its international diplomatic leverage allows it to bring these concerns to a global audience, ensuring that the debate resonates far beyond the streets of Kinshasa. Moleka also notes the emergence of other religious movements, such as the revivalist churches, as a new factor in this social mobilization.
As the political temperature rises, the opposition has scheduled a street protest for July 8. Their demands have shifted toward the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi. In response, the leadership of the UDPS, the presidential party, has accused opponents of attempting to incite a general uprising across the country.
