Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo criticized the Congolese government’s focus on constitutional amendments instead of addressing youth issues during a recent Mass. He urged young people to remain proactive and hopeful about their future, despite political challenges, particularly the proposed abolition of presidential term limits which may allow President Tshisekedi to seek a third term. The Cardinal’s remarks reflect a broader concern over leadership priorities and youth welfare in the DRC.
In a poignant address during the diocesan Youth Day Mass on November 24, 2024, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, expressed grave concerns regarding the proposed constitutional amendments in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He critiqued the allocation of substantial resources towards potential constitutional changes while the pressing needs of the Congolese youth remain unmet. The Cardinal questioned the rationale behind discussions on constitutional revision in a country where the youth continue to face unemployment and lack of opportunities after their studies.
Cardinal Ambongo emphasized the need for the youth to actively engage in shaping their future, stating, “Congo is your country. If you allow yourselves to become discouraged, no one else will take better care of it than you.” He urged the young people to remain vigilant against false promises and to pursue the path of hope and truth through faith in Christ. The Cardinal further highlighted the temporality of earthly power and encouraged the youth to focus on lasting values of love, justice, and peace.
This call to action comes in the backdrop of President Félix Tshisekedi’s announcement of a commission to revise the constitution, chiefly aimed at removing the two-term limit for the presidency, thereby allowing him to seek a third term. This proposal has elicited outcry from opposition factions, who contend that it undermines democracy.
During this significant moment, Cardinal Ambongo’s homily reflects a broader discontent among the populace regarding governmental priorities and offers a clarion call to the youth to reclaim agency in their country’s future.
The current political climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo is marked by tensions surrounding President Félix Tshisekedi’s push for constitutional amendments. The proposed changes, especially the abolition of the two-term limit for the presidency, have raised alarms among opposition leaders and various segments of civil society who view this as a direct threat to democratic norms. Amidst this, Cardinal Ambongo’s remarks resonate deeply with the frustrations of the youth, who feel neglected and are facing economic hardships despite the nation’s vast resources.
In conclusion, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo’s address serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent needs of the Congolese youth, juxtaposed against the government’s fixation on constitutional reform. His call for the youth to engage actively in safeguarding their future and not to succumb to despair is critical in a time of political uncertainty. The ongoing discussions regarding potential amendments to the constitution underline the importance of civic vigilance and the need for a governance framework that prioritizes the welfare of all citizens, especially the younger generation.
Original Source: www.fides.org
