En RDC, l’Église rejette la réforme de la Constitution

While political opposition groups have largely carried the banner of rejecting constitutional changes, Cenco’s recent endorsement lends significant weight to this stance, given its considerable influence on public opinion across the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Abbé Donatien Nshole, Cenco’s Secretary General, emphasized that the proposed constitutional reform currently under consideration by the authorities is neither necessary, urgent, nor opportune for the nation.

“We urge all clergy and pastoral agents to widely disseminate this message and to conscientiously awaken our faithful, as well as all people of goodwill, to resist manipulations aimed at altering the Constitution. We reserve the right to inform you, when the time is right, of concrete actions to be undertaken.”

The prelates appear intent on influencing the political discourse, issuing a warning against what they perceive as initiatives that could further destabilize the Democratic Republic of Congo. This concern is particularly acute given the ongoing insecurity in the eastern regions and prevailing social tensions.

However, opinions on Cenco’s position vary widely among residents in Kinshasa.

“Many people are focused on the President, thinking he might get another term. Yet, we need to consider the general interest because he is doing things for the people,” a young woman shared her perspective.

Another individual questioned, “If we look closely, the country itself is not in good shape. There’s a state of siege, a state of war in the East. How can we change the Constitution under such circumstances?”

A young man offered a different viewpoint, arguing that, “the Constitution must also be favorable for engaging on the international stage. If the Constitution is not adapted, we won’t have a place as a sovereign state, especially regarding our capacity to establish treaties and so forth.”

The influence of Cenco in DRC politics

While Cenco lacks any direct institutional power to halt a potential constitutional reform, its social, political, and diplomatic influence remains substantial. This point was underscored by political analyst Christian Moleka.

“The Catholic Church, certainly, will mobilize, but there’s a new factor: the mobilization of other forms of churches, particularly the so-called ‘awakening churches.’ The Catholic Church’s advantage is its ability to mobilize across the entire country, something other churches cannot replicate, and also its diplomatic leverage. Its voice is not only heard in the streets of Kinshasa but also through its capacity to bring these issues to the international level.”

As the debate intensifies, the opposition has already announced a street mobilization for July 8, this time demanding the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi. The secretary-general of the presidential party, UDPS, has accused the opposition of attempting to incite a popular uprising within the country.