The Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, held a crucial meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo. This high-level discussion took place at the presidential residence in Brazzaville, following a series of consultations initiated by Burundi’s President and current African Union Chair, Évariste Ndayishimiye, with religious leaders and political figures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The primary focus of the talks was the ongoing security and political challenges facing the DRC. Key issues included persistent debates over a potential constitutional amendment and the escalating armed conflict in eastern regions, fueled by the activities of armed groups and cross-border aggression from Rwanda through the M23 rebellion.
Cardinal Ambongo’s Mission and the DRC’s Political Climate
During the meeting, Cardinal Ambongo, accompanied by Monsignor Donatien Nshole, Secretary-General of the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO), shared insights on the fragile state of the DRC. The discussions highlighted the country’s dire need for stability, peace, and national cohesion.
Monsignor Nshole emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that President Sassou-Nguesso expressed deep concern over the DRC’s crisis. The Congolese leader underscored the importance of the Catholic Church’s role in addressing the nation’s challenges, given its historical and moral responsibility in guiding the country toward sustainable solutions.
“President Sassou-Nguesso is deeply troubled by the situation in the DRC, a country he considers a brother nation. He sought the Cardinal’s perspective not only as a religious leader but also as a key figure in shaping the nation’s future. In today’s Africa, the fragility of the DRC is a matter of grave concern, and he wanted to hear firsthand the Church’s analysis and recommendations,” Monsignor Nshole stated.
The Secretary-General of CENCO also revealed that the Congolese President had previously engaged in discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who recently visited Brazzaville. These exchanges reportedly provided additional context and strategic advice to help navigate the ongoing crisis.
“He shared that he had also spoken with President Félix Tshisekedi, and he offered valuable advice to help us navigate this challenging period,” Monsignor Nshole added.
Eastern DRC: A Region Under Siege
The meeting took place against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where communities continue to suffer the devastating effects of prolonged conflict. According to Monsignor Nshole, the situation is dire, with countless lives lost, families torn apart, and communities displaced.
“The eastern DRC is engulfed in war. Many of our fellow citizens are no longer able to live peacefully among us due to the violence. Innocent people are dying on the battlefield every day—this is not something we can ignore,” he said.
CENCO’s Stance on Constitutional Reform
This meeting follows a strong statement issued by the Catholic Bishops of CENCO on June 20, 2026, opposing any attempts to amend the DRC’s constitution. In their message, the bishops argued that there is no necessity, urgency, or justification for altering the constitutional framework at this time. Their priority remains the restoration of peace, social welfare, national unity, and cohesion.
The bishops’ position comes as the Union Sacrée de la Nation, the political platform supporting President Tshisekedi, has signaled its intention to pursue constitutional reforms. This move has sparked widespread criticism from opposition groups and civil society, who view it as an attempt to manipulate political rules to allow the president to extend his stay in power beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
The current term of President Tshisekedi is set to conclude in December 2028, with the handover to the next elected president scheduled for January 2029.
Photo caption: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (left) alongside President Denis Sassou-Nguesso during their meeting in Brazzaville.