The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a fresh wave of political friction this week, as the Catholic Church’s leadership has launched a bold stand against efforts to revise the Constitution—a move that could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in 2028.

The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has publicly urged President Tshisekedi to uphold the oath he took «before God and the Nation» and has signaled its intention to unveil a structured plan of action to oppose the constitutional amendment. The Church has called on citizens to resist such a move, warning that it could «fracture the nation and plunge the country into civil war.»

Constitutional revision sparks alarm over national stability

Under the current Constitution, presidential mandates are capped at two. President Tshisekedi, who assumed office in January 2019 and was re-elected in 2023 for what was to be his final term, has now suggested the possibility of pursuing a third mandate. His political allies have since intensified efforts to facilitate a constitutional referendum to remove term limits. Early in May, the president hinted at this prospect during a press briefing, raising concerns about the potential erosion of democratic safeguards.

Church reaffirms stance against unconstitutional power grabs

This isn’t the first time the Catholic Church has clashed with authorities over constitutional amendments aimed at keeping leaders in power. During the tenure of former President Joseph Kabila, the Church played a pivotal role in opposing similar attempts. Now, CENCO has convened an extraordinary plenary assembly in Kinshasa from June 18 to 20, 2026, to address the growing threat to the nation’s constitutional order.

In a 17-point final declaration released by the 37 bishops, cardinals, and priests in attendance, the Church declared: «The Nation is in peril!» The statement underscores the gravity of the situation, particularly as the Democratic Republic of Congo remains embroiled in conflict despite multiple peace agreements. Since 2022, large parts of North and South Kivu have been under the control of the Alliance of the Congo River / March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), which continues to expand its de facto authority over occupied territories.

Escalating violence and health crises compound national instability

The eastern regions of Ituri and North Kivu have become flashpoints of brutal violence, with armed groups including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carrying out large-scale attacks on civilians. To make matters worse, the resurgence of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in the east has raised fears of a broader public health emergency.

«We watch with deep concern as the ruling majority intensifies its campaign to amend the Constitution of February 18, 2006,» the bishops stated. «Regrettably, this campaign—backed by state resources—has fostered a climate of terror, silencing dissenting voices within the majority coalition through intimidation and fear. Opposition protests are met with violent repression by police forces, often in coordination with the so-called ‘Force du Progrès’ militia.»

The Church has firmly rejected the need, urgency, or appropriateness of amending the Constitution, emphasizing that the country’s priorities must remain peace, social welfare, unity, and national cohesion.

Ruling coalition accuses Church of undermining democracy

In response to CENCO’s declaration, the United Sacred Union for the Nation (USN), a coalition of over 400 political parties and movements supporting President Tshisekedi, expressed strong condemnation. The USN labeled the bishops’ statement as an «act of subversion aimed at destabilizing legitimate democratic institutions.»

In a strongly worded communiqué, the coalition accused the bishops of using inflammatory rhetoric that «clearly incites popular uprising and the overthrow of the constitutional order.»