The push for constitutional reform in the République démocratique du Congo is creating a significant rift among the country’s influential religious bodies. While the Revivalist Churches have signaled their backing for the initiative, the Catholic Church has voiced concerns, stressing the need to protect the nation’s democratic foundations.
This internal friction comes as the legislative path toward amending the basic law accelerates. National lawmakers recently moved the process forward by adopting a proposal for a referendum law.
Revivalist Churches endorse the overhaul
Leaders of the Revivalist Churches are aligning themselves with the government’s position. They argue that the current 2006 Constitution no longer reflects the institutional requirements of the modern Congo.
Archbishop Evariste Ejiba Yamampia, head of the Revivalist Churches in the Congo, believes that a new constitutional framework is essential for better governance and national growth.
“This is a matter of our territorial sovereignty. It is also an issue of governance. Furthermore, it concerns the development and prosperity of our citizens. This change will allow for a better distribution of the nation’s wealth and provide an opportunity to dismantle state bodies that consume too much of the budget,” he explained.
Catholic leaders urge democratic vigilance
While the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco) has not yet issued a formal declaration, the Council of the Catholic Lay Apostolate (CALCC) is emphasizing the importance of the existing legal framework. They view the current document as the primary pillar of the nation’s developing democracy.
“The Church has always maintained that our current Constitution is the foundation of our young democracy. Consequently, the Church continues to advocate for wisdom and open dialogue. We frequently remind those in power that leadership is a form of service. I also want to stress that all Catholic laity and every person of goodwill in the RDC are called to maintain civic vigilance,” stated Faustin Onombili, the president of CALCC.
Political opposition claims a ‘constitutional coup’
The debate extends far beyond the pulpit, as political opponents of President Félix Tshisekedi accuse the administration of manipulating the law to maintain power.
Critics from the Coalition Article 64 have described the reform as a direct threat to the democratic order, labeling it a “constitutional coup.” The group had intended to file a formal legal complaint but has shifted its focus toward organizing a major demonstration in front of the Parliament this coming Friday.
As the prospect of a referendum nears, the political and social atmosphere in the RDC remains highly charged, with the nation divided between those seeking institutional change and those defending the established democratic rules.