The question of constitutional revision in the Democratic Republic of Congo is sparking a lively debate within the political class. Indeed, during a recent meeting with Congolese living in Belgium, President Félix Tshisekedi announced his intention to set up a commission responsible for considering the development of a new constitution. This declaration was welcomed by the Congo Positif political party, which has long campaigned for a constitution that meets the expectations of the Congolese people, and not dictated by external interests.
In an interview with Infosdirect.net, Dieudonné Nkishi, president of Congo Positif and head of work at the University of Kinshasa, raises essential points concerning institutional dysfunctions in the DRC. According to him, it is imperative to review certain provisions relating to both the President of the Republic and Parliament. He calls for a strengthening of presidential power and the clarification of executive and legislative powers in order to guarantee more effective governance.
Nkishi insists that a constitution must reflect the needs and realities of a country, and not a simple reproduction of foreign models. He thus proposes to maintain the presidential mandate renewable once, while restructuring the powers and responsibilities of the different institutions. It highlights the need to move from a semi-presidential regime to a clearly defined presidential regime, thus avoiding power conflicts and institutional blockages which hamper the country’s development.
Recalling his call for a sovereign constitutional conference in 2011, Nkishi underlines the importance of a participatory and democratic approach in the constitutional revision process. He insists on the urgent nature of this reform and calls on President Tshisekedi to give a sovereign dimension to the commission responsible for developing the new constitution.
In conclusion, the constitutional revision in the DRC is a crucial step in the construction of a democratic and functional state. The commitment of all political actors and civil society is essential to guarantee a transparent and legitimate process. The establishment of an independent and representative commission, responsible for reflecting on the country’s constitutional issues, is a first step towards more effective governance that respects the aspirations of the Congolese people.