Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo delivered a stark assessment of the situation in DR Congo. Speaking before the congregation at Notre-Dame du Congo Cathedral, the Archbishop of Kinshasa highlighted persistent insecurity, armed conflicts, the presence of foreign forces on Congolese soil, widespread poverty, and the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic. Given these challenges, he argued that amending the Constitution should not be a priority.

“Do we truly believe that changing the Constitution, which is being presented as a solution to all these grim realities, is the most appropriate response to the tragedies facing the Congolese people, especially when it aims at a third term? Given the gravity of the current situation, we see neither the need nor the urgency for constitutional change. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s priority is peace. That is why the National Episcopal Conference of Congo continues its work and will always strive to create conditions for a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue,” Ambongo stated firmly.

Opposition mobilisation

This stance is also backed by the Lay Coordination Committee, CENCO, and the Church of Christ in Congo, all of which maintain that a constitutional reform is neither necessary nor urgent under current circumstances.

Attending the ceremony, Marie-Ange Mushobekwa, a former minister and senior figure in the Common Front for Congo (FCC), the platform of ex-President Joseph Kabila, reaffirmed her coalition’s opposition to any modification of Article 220 of the Constitution.

“Article 220 is untouchable, and the Constitution clearly states that any elected president is entitled to a single renewable term. After two terms, one must leave power and hand over to a successor chosen by the Congolese people. Therefore, all political parties and platforms within the FCC will now take part in all demonstrations to prevent any constitutional change. We will be on the streets on July 8 to defend and protect our Constitution,” Mushobekwa recalled.

“We will be on the streets on July 8”

Similar sentiments were voiced by certain citizen movements. Plamedie Bamata of the Patriotism movement called on Congolese youth to join the opposition’s planned demonstration on July 8.

“We are determined to put an end to this third-term project, for which Congolese have already shed much blood fighting to ensure this Constitution exists. We will be on the streets on July 8. We will march to the Palace of the Nation to express our discontent and say no to any plan to balkanise our country,” Bamata insisted.

After approval by both chambers of Parliament, the bill setting the terms for organising a referendum on constitutional change has been sent to the President of the Republic for promulgation.

The government and the ruling majority present this law as a text aimed at legally framing the use of referendums.

The opposition, however, believes it could pave the way for a revision of the fundamental law.