Catholic Church Sounds Alarm Over Proposed Constitutional Changes in DRC

The National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO) has issued a forceful statement opposing attempts to amend the 2006 constitution, warning such actions could lead to ‘state capture’ and even national fragmentation.

Historic Compromise at Risk

The Catholic Church’s leadership, through its Secretary General Archbishop Donatien Nshole, has condemned moves to alter constitutional provisions that limit presidential mandates. The Church argues these changes would undermine a hard-won political compromise that emerged from decades of conflict since independence.

Legal Loopholes and Constitutional Overreach

CENCO specifically targets the newly enacted referendum law, which the Church claims creates a legal pathway to bypass constitutional protections. According to Archbishop Nshole, this law would enable a popular consultation to modify ‘entrenched provisions’ protected under Article 220, particularly those regulating presidential term limits.

In his strongly worded statement, Archbishop Nshole emphasized that Article 220 serves as a crucial safeguard against dictatorship and state privatization. He warned that any forced constitutional changes carry ‘enormous risks,’ including the potential for national balkanization and renewed ethnic conflict.

No Justification for Change

After what he described as ‘deep reflection,’ Archbishop Nshole stated that CENCO sees ‘no necessity, urgency, or opportunity’ for constitutional amendments. The Church’s priority remains focused on peace, social welfare, national unity, and cohesion for the Congolese people.