DRC Bishops Warn Against Constitutional Revisions Amid Rising Tensions

Catholic bishops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have raised alarms regarding proposed amendments to the country's Constitution, which they argue could exacerbate the already volatile political and security landscape. President Félix Tshisekedi and his supporters advocate for these revisions, claiming that the current Constitution, adopted in 2006, is "inadequate" for contemporary challenges. Key proposals include extending the presidential term from five to seven years and potentially eliminating the two-term limit, which is currently prohibited by Article 220 of the Constitution. Critics, including opposition leader Moïse Katumbi, suspect that these changes aim to facilitate Tshisekedi's bid for a third term.

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The bishops' warnings come amid escalating violence in eastern DRC, where recent discoveries of mass graves have highlighted the ongoing conflict. Bishop Sébastien-Joseph Muyengo Mulombe of Uvira described the situation as "particularly worrying," citing the actions of armed groups like the M23, which is allegedly supported by Rwanda. The DRC has been plagued by instability, with significant population displacements and a humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The bishops emphasize that constitutional changes in such a fraught environment could provoke further violence and chaos.

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The DRC's current turmoil is rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, which led to the First and Second Congo Wars, resulting in approximately six million deaths. The region remains a battleground influenced by foreign powers, particularly Rwanda and Uganda, which have been accused of backing rebel factions to control valuable mineral resources. This ongoing conflict is exacerbated by the DRC's wealth in minerals like cobalt and copper, essential for global technology and energy sectors.

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International responses to the DRC's crisis have faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the effectiveness of UN peacekeepers (MONUSCO), who are currently undergoing a slow withdrawal amid public dissatisfaction. The Congolese military struggles against various factions, including the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Humanitarian conditions are dire, with over seven million people displaced and millions facing severe food insecurity. Critics, including Father Johan Viljoen of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, argue that U.S. intervention strategies, focused on securing access to mineral resources, could further destabilize the region.

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The bishops have called for a focus on dialogue, national unity, and the rule of law rather than constitutional amendments. They assert that "peace and democratic coexistence cannot be built on the foundation of suspicion or manipulation of constitutional principles." Their position reflects a broader concern that the proposed changes could deepen divisions and lead to violence.

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• “I ask the Congolese population to be awake and to say no to this constitutional change.” — Moïse Katumbi, Opposition Leader

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• “Given the current security situation, it would be risky for the bishops to open the chapter on constitutional amendment in a context that lacks consensus,” — Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference

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• “They are mortgaging the country’s future,” — Father Johan Viljoen, Director of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute

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The situation in the DRC remains precarious, with the potential for constitutional changes to ignite further unrest amidst an already fragile political climate.

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