The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has delivered a sharp rejection of the constitutional overhaul proposed by President Félix Tshisekedi. The Catholic leadership in the République démocratique du Congo warns that such a reform could trigger deep institutional instability and jeopardize the nation’s democratic progress. This formal stance adds significant weight to a political debate that has been intensifying in Kinshasa for several months.
Catholic leadership challenges the push for reform
In a statement marked by significant resolve, the Congolese clergy argued that altering the nation’s fundamental law at this time is ill-advised. The CENCO, which holds substantial moral authority in the République démocratique du Congo, maintains that the 2006 Constitution remains a vital reference point. They view it as the result of a hard-won national consensus following years of transition. The prelates express concern that a total rewrite might eventually be used to manipulate electoral rules to favor the current administration.
President Félix Tshisekedi first suggested the need for a new Constitution in October 2024, arguing that the existing framework is ill-suited to the country’s realities. The Head of State claimed the current text was drafted under foreign pressure and serves as an obstacle to national development. While a commission was expected to begin formal deliberations in 2025, this prospect has sparked alarm within the Church, as well as among opposition parties and civil society groups.
A legacy of defending democratic boundaries
The current opposition from the bishops aligns with their long-standing political involvement. Back in 2015, during the presidency of Joseph Kabila, the CENCO was instrumental in resisting attempts to modify presidential term limits. The Church also mediated the Saint Sylvester Agreement in December 2016, a crucial deal that averted a major national crisis. This history of mediation gives the bishops’ current warnings a profound political resonance.
The bishops emphasize that the Congolese Constitution contains “locked” or intangible provisions, specifically regarding the number and duration of presidential terms. In their view, tampering with these safeguards would be akin to opening an institutional Pandora’s box. While the presidential camp insists the goal is to modernize the state’s architecture rather than extend mandates, this distinction has failed to reassure the Catholic hierarchy, which instead advocates for the strict enforcement of existing laws.
This dispute transcends legal technicalities, carrying immense symbolic weight in a country where over 40% of the population identifies as Catholic. The Church’s message is being amplified far beyond political circles, with many parishes already sharing the bishops’ concerns during Sunday services, indicating a broad mobilization at the grassroots level.
A critical test for the Tshisekedi administration
Following his reelection in December 2023, Félix Tshisekedi enjoys a robust majority in the National Assembly, which theoretically clears a path for constitutional changes. However, the resistance from the CENCO complicates this strategy. The President must navigate the opposition of an institution whose moral legitimacy remains high and whose declarations are closely monitored by international partners in Washington, Paris, and Brussels.
The timing of this constitutional debate is also sensitive due to the ongoing security crisis in the eastern part of the country. As the Congolese army faces the M23 in the provinces of Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu, some observers worry that a constitutional battle could distract from urgent military and humanitarian priorities. Conversely, others suggest the move is intended to strengthen the executive branch amidst regional volatility and external pressures.
The coming months will determine whether the government proceeds with its timeline or opts for a more cautious approach. As Parliament, the Union Sacrée coalition, and civil society organizations prepare to take sides, the Catholic Church has made it clear that it will not be a passive observer. This burgeoning conflict between Kinshasa and the episcopal conference could fundamentally reshape the political landscape of the République démocratique du Congo for years to come.
