A proposed constitutional amendment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, introduced by President Tshisekedi, aims to abolish the two-term limit for presidents, allowing for a potential third term. This proposal has faced strong opposition from both civil society and political groups, notably the FCC, signaling a polarized political climate in the lead-up to the next elections.
The recent declaration by President Felix Tshisekedi regarding the establishment of a commission to draft a new constitution for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked considerable debate across the nation. During his visit to Kisangani, Tshisekedi affirmed, “Next year I will appoint a commission made up of people from different sectors of society to draft a new constitution that is adapted to the realities of the Democratic Republic of Congo and no longer hinders the functioning of the country.” A key issue surrounding the proposed amendment is the elimination of the two-term limit for presidents. This change would allow Tshisekedi the possibility to pursue a third term in the forthcoming presidential elections, despite having already been elected twice. This proposal echoes a similar initiative proposed by Tshisekedi’s predecessor, Joseph Kabila, in 2015, which met with significant resistance from civil society and religious leaders. Now, Kabila’s own political affiliation, the “Front commun pour le Congo” (FCC), has formally opposed any amendments to the constitution. Opposition MP Moïse Katumbi has made clear that “the constitution will not be changed,” while Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of the Congolese Episcopal Conference (CENCO), expressed concerns that such changes could exacerbate the nation’s instability, stating, “A change to the constitution is very dangerous because it can further destabilize the country in the current situation in which it is unstable.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 28/10/2024)
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced significant political turbulence, particularly concerning presidential terms and the integrity of its constitution. The current discourse is largely focused on President Tshisekedi’s proposal to amend the constitution, specifically to abolish the existing two-term limit which many view as essential for maintaining democratic principles. The opposition to this proposed amendment highlights the complexities within the political landscape of the DRC, where past attempts to change constitutional regulations have led to widespread civil unrest and dissatisfaction among various sectors of society, including religious organizations.
In conclusion, the announcement by President Tshisekedi to potentially amend the constitution by removing the two-term limit is highly controversial and has faced significant opposition from various political factions and civic leaders within the DRC. This situation underscores the precarious nature of political stability in the country and raises concerns about the implications of such changes on the democratic process and existing governance structures.
Original Source: www.fides.org
