Religious leaders challenge the presidency over potential third term ambitions in RDC
The Article 64 coalition, currently leading the resistance against plans to overhaul the Constitution in the République démocratique du Congo (RDC), has just secured a major ally. The Conférence épiscopale nationale de la République démocratique du Congo (CENCO) has issued a blunt rejection of the proposed reforms. The religious body believes the primary goal of this move is to allow President Félix Tshisekedi to pursue a third term, which would directly contravene the current constitutional limit of two mandates. According to the Church, such a political maneuver places the entire nation in jeopardy.
Ignoring these warnings could be a grave mistake for the presidency
The Catholic Church warns that forcing these changes through carries immense risks, including the potential balkanization of the territory. Religious leaders are calling on the Congolese people to stand up and take charge of their future before it is permanently compromised. Beyond general warnings, the CENCO has specifically reminded Félix Tshisekedi of his inaugural oath to protect and uphold the existing Constitution. Whether this appeal will be heard remains to be seen, but the administration is unlikely to welcome this intervention, especially following Parliament’s recent approval of a law enabling a constitutional referendum.
It appears the government is set on its path, suggesting the Church’s message might be falling on deaf ears. However, this stance creates a significant alignment between the Catholic clergy and the political opposition. While the bishops maintain they are not formally joining the opposition, their firm position provides substantial support to those fighting the constitutional revision. Félix Tshisekedi would be unwise to ignore this growing discontent. Opening multiple political fronts could severely weaken his administration and lead to unpredictable consequences.
The Church is operating within its traditional role by demanding respect for the established legal order. As advocates for peace, the prelates cannot ignore a project that threatens to divide the population and spark a new crisis. Furthermore, as citizens, these religious figures are deeply invested in the country’s stability. The question remains: will the influence of the Church force the president to reconsider? The current situation is undoubtedly embarrassing for the head of state, particularly as the CENCO is signaling further actions to come, following previous opposition protests that were met with a heavy-handed response.
The Congolese population is already enduring enough hardship
Félix Tshisekedi may face increasingly restless nights. While he might have previously brushed off political opponents, the entry of the CENCO as a powerful civil society actor complicates his plans significantly. It is worth noting that the president himself once benefited from the Church’s influence during his time in the opposition. In 2017, it was the Catholic Church that played a pivotal role in preventing Joseph Kabila from extending his stay in power. Consequently, the current leader would do well to remember that history. To secure a positive legacy, he must weigh his options carefully. With the ongoing conflict in the East and health threats like Ebola, the people of the RDC are already suffering enough without the added burden of a manufactured political crisis.
