Ambongo préfère la paix à la réforme constitutionnelle

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo presented a stark assessment of the prevailing conditions across the Democratic Republic of Congo. Addressing the faithful gathered at Kinshasa’s Notre-Dame du Congo Cathedral, the Archbishop condemned the persistent insecurity, ongoing armed conflicts, the presence of foreign forces on Congolese territory, the widespread poverty afflicting the population, and the alarming resurgence of the Ebola epidemic. Amidst these profound challenges, he firmly asserted that amending the national Constitution is not the most pressing concern.

“Do we truly believe that altering the Constitution, which is being touted as a solution to all these grim realities—do we truly believe that a constitutional change, particularly one aimed at securing a third term, is the most appropriate response to the suffering of the Congolese people? Given the gravity of the current situation, we perceive neither the necessity nor the urgency for any constitutional modification. The paramount objective for the Democratic Republic of Congo, I emphasize, remains the achievement of lasting peace. This is why the National Episcopal Conference of Congo continues its dedicated efforts and will always commit itself to fostering the conditions for a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue,” Cardinal Ambongo declared unequivocally.

Mobilization of the opposition

This stance is widely echoed by key religious and civil society organizations, including the Lay Coordination Committee, the Cenco (National Episcopal Conference of Congo), and the Church of Christ in Congo. These bodies collectively agree that a constitutional overhaul is neither essential nor urgent in the nation’s current climate.

Also present at the independence celebration was Marie-Ange Mushobekwa, a former minister and prominent figure within the Common Front for Congo (FCC), the political platform associated with former President Joseph Kabila. She firmly reiterated her faction’s unwavering opposition to any alteration of Article 220 of the Constitution.

“Article 220 is inviolable, and the Constitution explicitly states that any elected president is entitled to one renewable term only. Following these two terms, one must relinquish power and pass the torch to their successor, chosen by the Congolese people. Consequently, all political parties and platforms comprising the FCC will now participate in every demonstration to prevent any constitutional change. We will take to the streets on July 8th to defend and safeguard our Constitution,” Mushobekwa asserted.

“We will be in the streets on July 8th”

A similar sentiment resonated among various citizen movements. Plamédie Bamata, representing the Patriotism movement, urged Congolese youth to join the protest announced by the opposition for July 8th.

“We are resolute in our determination to thwart this third-term agenda, for which many Congolese have already shed blood in their struggle to establish this very Constitution. We will be in the streets on July 8th. We will march all the way to the Palais de la Nation to express our profound discontent and unequivocally reject any scheme to balkanize our country,” Bamata stressed.

Following its approval by both chambers of Parliament, the proposed bill outlining the procedures for organizing a constitutional referendum has been forwarded to the President of the Republic for promulgation.

The government and the ruling majority characterize this legislation as a framework designed to legally regulate the use of referendums.

However, the opposition fears that this measure could ultimately pave the way for a revision of the nation’s fundamental law.