DRC Catholic Church officially opposes constitutional reform

The National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO) announced that it opposes any change to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s constitution. In a statement on 20 June, Secretary‑General Mgr Donatien Nshole warned that amending the 2006 charter could be used to extend President Félix Tshisekedi’s mandate, breach the historic “republican pact” and risk ethnic‑based conflict and national fragmentation.

CENCO had convened an extraordinary three‑day assembly from 18‑20 June, inviting constitutional experts and political figures from both the governing coalition and the opposition. Participants included Delly Sesanga of the Envol party and Jean‑Claude Tshilumbayi, first vice‑president of the National Assembly. The bishops said the consultations would inform a national message outlining their observations and recommendations on the constitutional debate, stressing the need for peace, social welfare and national cohesion.