Political and civil society leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have united in opposition to proposed constitutional changes that they argue would allow President Felix Tshisekedi to extend his hold on power indefinitely.
The alliance, called “National Awakening,” was announced on Saturday and aims to block efforts from Tshisekedi’s coalition to amend the 2006 constitution, which currently limits presidents to two terms. This newly-formed coalition has labeled the proposed changes as “high treason.”
The alliance is set to hold its inaugural meeting in mid-December, during which members will commemorate the 2005 referendum that led to the establishment of the 2006 constitution. The leaders of “National Awakening” have stated that this event will serve as a tribute to the constitutional foundation they believe is crucial for the nation’s democracy and stability.
Among the prominent figures rallying against these proposed changes are opposition leaders Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi, both of whom have been vocal critics of Tshisekedi’s presidency. Fayulu and Katumbi are also organizing separate initiatives aimed at countering the government’s proposed review of the constitution.
Their efforts reflect a shared sentiment within the opposition and civil society groups who view the reforms as a threat to democratic principles and a step toward prolonged, unaccountable leadership.
President Tshisekedi, however, has argued that the current constitution is outdated and in need of reform. His administration contends that the original constitution was drafted during a period of intense instability, as the country was emerging from conflict.
Supporters of the proposed reforms within Tshisekedi’s coalition argue that the original constitution was created from a position of weakness, when the nation was grappling with the aftereffects of war. They claim that new provisions are necessary to protect Congo’s sovereignty in the face of evolving regional political and military dynamics.
The debate over constitutional reform has sparked significant concern among Congolese citizens, with many fearing that changes to presidential term limits could set a dangerous precedent. Critics argue that altering these limits undermines democratic governance, allowing leaders to entrench themselves in power. This fear resonates strongly in Congo, where past leaders have been known to overstay their mandates, often leading to instability and political crises.
“National Awakening” intends to engage the Congolese public in discussions surrounding the proposed constitutional changes, aiming to raise awareness of the potential consequences of these amendments.
Members of the coalition have stated that they will focus on protecting the democratic rights of citizens and preserving the integrity of the constitution. Through their first meeting, they hope to highlight the significance of the 2006 constitution and its role in establishing term limits as a means of promoting transparency and accountability.
The alliance’s formation adds to an already charged political climate in Congo, as public dissatisfaction with Tshisekedi’s administration has been mounting in recent months.
The opposition claims that the government’s interest in constitutional reform is primarily motivated by a desire to secure Tshisekedi’s hold on power, rather than a genuine commitment to national interests. This perspective is supported by critics who argue that any changes to the constitution must be approached with caution to avoid undermining democratic processes.
Supporters of the opposition point to other nations within the region where leaders have amended constitutions to extend their rule, often at the expense of democratic stability. They warn that Congo could face similar challenges if constitutional reforms are pursued without broad consensus and public approval.
This sentiment is echoed by Fayulu and Katumbi, who argue that any attempt to remove presidential term limits goes against the values of democracy and accountability. Both leaders have called on Congolese citizens to reject the proposed changes and defend their rights to fair and transparent governance.
As the December meeting of the “National Awakening” coalition approaches, anticipation is building around the potential impact of this alliance on Congo’s political landscape. The coalition’s leaders have expressed optimism that their collective efforts will encourage greater civic engagement and empower citizens to stand against any attempts to undermine constitutional protections.
By commemorating the 2005 referendum and honoring the legacy of the 2006 constitution, they hope to inspire a renewed commitment to democratic principles in the face of potential threats.
The outcome of this alliance’s efforts may have far-reaching implications for Congo’s future, particularly as the country prepares for upcoming elections. Many see the coalition’s stance as a critical moment for protecting Congo’s democratic institutions and ensuring that the rule of law prevails over partisan interests.
Through “National Awakening,” opposition leaders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens are working to prevent what they see as a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism, reinforcing their commitment to the principles of accountability and fair governance.
In the coming months, the coalition plans to continue mobilizing public support, urging citizens to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process. For the people of Congo, this movement represents an opportunity to shape the nation’s future, upholding the constitutional framework that has guided the country since 2006.
The leaders of “National Awakening” remain hopeful that through their collective resistance, they can safeguard the country’s democratic legacy and promote a vision of leadership that prioritizes the well-being and rights of all Congolese citizens.
