In a significant move for the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), a coalition of civil society organizations, spearheaded by the Crisis Committee of Civil Society for Peace and Security in the RDC (CCPS-RDC), officially unveiled the Citizen Manifesto on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Kinshasa. This pivotal document, now known as the « Manifeste de Kasangulu », is presented as a crucial roadmap for the nation’s profound refoundation and comprehensive recovery.

The Manifeste de Kasangulu emerges as a unified response from various civil society groups to address the multifaceted political, security, economic, social, and institutional challenges currently facing the country. It is the culmination of an inclusive, participatory process that brought together representatives from numerous provinces across the RDC.

This citizen-led initiative articulates a shared national transformation vision. Its core principles are rooted in responsible governance, fostering peace and security, ensuring social justice, promoting active citizen participation, enhancing education and healthcare, driving economic development, safeguarding the environment, and strengthening the rule of law.

The launch ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Mme Sylvie Nakweti, Director of Communication, Advocacy, and Documentation for DYCOD-RDC, who commended the unwavering commitment of civil society organizations to this national renaissance. Professor Iyoka Jean Bedel subsequently highlighted the Manifesto’s inclusive and pedagogical approach, emphasizing its role in providing the RDC with a foundational framework for reflection and action towards its reconstruction.

« The Citizen Manifesto is the result of a pedagogical and inclusive process aimed at equipping the Democratic Republic of Congo with a basis for reflection and action for its renaissance, » Professor Iyoka Jean Bedel stated.

Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi, Coordinator of the CCPS-RDC, then formally presented the document, underscoring the historical importance of this endeavor. He stressed that the nation is navigating a profound crisis demanding collective national mobilization.

« We have launched today the Citizen Manifesto, known as the Manifeste de Kasangulu, because it was in Kasangulu that the commission responsible for its elaboration conducted its work. This manifesto outlines civil society’s vision for Congo’s recovery. We are all unanimous in recognizing that our country is enduring a historic crisis. The question, therefore, is how to emerge from it. The Citizen Manifesto aims to be both a response and a path forward for the recovery and refoundation of Congo, » explained Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi.

Me Bashombe Matabishi also elaborated on the symbolic timing of the launch, which occurred just days before the celebration of national independence.

« The choice of date is highly symbolic, as it precedes June 30th, our country’s Independence Day. We sought to contribute to the national debate, but more importantly, to sensitize every Congolese to their responsibility in the face of history. This discussion should not be confined solely to political actors. Congo belongs to all Congolese. Above all, the Citizen Manifesto is an expression of its citizens. It is a call to all patriots to defend the Democratic Republic of Congo, » declared Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi.

The ideological current intended to guide the Manifesto’s widespread dissemination was introduced by M. Daie Mutombe Pierrot, President of the Onusiens congolais. He presented the Democratic Citizen Revolution, championed by the BLOC-RDC movement, which aims to foster active citizenship, good governance, and national sovereignty. During this event, Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi was acclaimed as President of BLOC-RDC, with Professor Iyoka Jean Bedel appointed as Secretary General.

Addressing the ongoing debate regarding a potential revision or amendment of the Constitution, the CCPS-RDC Coordinator reiterated civil society’s firm position. He emphasized the imperative for a broad consensus concerning the so-called « locked » constitutional provisions. He further affirmed the ambitious vision embedded within the Citizen Manifesto, which, in his view, must be integral to any constitutional reform discourse.

« Revision is provided for by the Constitution itself. However, we believe that any approach that fails to consider all provinces and does not contribute to strengthening national unity could lead to implosion. For us, the Constitution remains the fundamental instrument of national cohesion. It is the primary text that unites all Congolese people. Regarding the locked articles, which are truly at the heart of the debate, we believe that consensus is indispensable, » stated Me Patient Bashombe Matabishi.

He continued:

« These provisions were locked through consensus, not through electoral means. In law, the principle of parallelism of forms dictates that only a consensus can challenge a consensus. Within this dynamic, we aspire to make the Citizen Manifesto a foundational text for the country’s future directions. It embodies the vision we, as civil society and as a people, advocate for the renewal of the Democratic Republic of Congo. »

The gathering brought together nearly 200 civil society organizations, alongside community representatives, academics, trade unionists, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, youth groups, women’s movements, human rights defenders, and numerous local leaders. Participants lauded the document’s quality and recommended launching a comprehensive national campaign to ensure its widespread adoption across the entire national territory and within the Congolese diaspora.

In closing, the Crisis Committee of Civil Society for Peace and Security in the RDC urged all segments of the nation to embrace the Citizen Manifesto as a vital contribution to the refoundation of the state, the consolidation of peace, and the construction of a more just, prosperous, and democratic future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This significant meeting of civil society organizations takes place amidst a complex backdrop marked by Rwandan aggression, facilitated by the AFC/M23 rebellion, and the persistent activities of various local and foreign armed groups. This volatile situation exacerbates a severe humanitarian crisis, leading to an escalating number of internally displaced persons and refugees. This is further compounded by dwindling international funding, a stalemate in diplomatic initiatives, and ongoing hostilities in the eastern RDC.

Adding to this complexity is the contentious debate surrounding constitutional reform. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, this issue has spurred two distinct socio-political movements: the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) and the Coalition of Congolese for Constitutional Change (C4). Each faction asserts popular support for achieving its stated objectives.