DRC bishops and Cardinal Ambongo reject constitutional reform plan

The Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, represented by the national episcopal conference (CENCO) and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, has publicly rejected the president’s proposal to amend the 2006 Constitution. The bishops said there is “neither the necessity, nor the urgency, nor the opportunity” for a constitutional change, warning that the draft amendment could open a path for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, which they view as a manipulation of the constitution and a risk of “balcanisation” of the country.

In a speech on Independence Day, President Tshisekedi sent a constitutional amendment law to the Constitutional Court for review, stating it follows inter‑institutional cooperation. Opposition groups and civil society have mobilised around the issue, forming coalitions both for and against the change. The Church emphasised that the nation’s priority should be peace, social welfare and security rather than political ambition, citing ongoing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and the recent Ebola outbreak.

The dispute underscores the Catholic Church’s influential role in Congolese politics and raises concerns about the country’s stability should the amendment proceed.