Demonstrations in Congo: Citizen mobilization in defense of the Constitution
At the heart of Congolese news, an unprecedented wave of citizen mobilization is shaking the streets of Kinshasa. The political party Engagement for Citizenship and Development (ECIDé) launched the “Don’t touch my Constitution” campaign to block any attempt to modify the fundamental law of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
At the origin of this approach, Mike Isem, provincial executive secretary of ECIDé, loudly proclaimed the need to protect the Constitution acquired at the cost of many sacrifices. Faced with the desires of the regime in place to modify this founding act of Congolese democracy, citizen mobilization aims to be a bulwark against any attack on national sovereignty.
Based on article 5 of the Constitution conferring sovereignty on the people and article 65 recalling the obligations of citizens towards the State, Mike Isem underlines the determination of the Congolese people to preserve their democratic achievements. For him, it is unacceptable that a group of individuals with selfish interests can call into question the foundations of Congolese democracy.
The resolution displayed by ECIDé and its supporters is clear: no compromise will be tolerated in the defense of the Constitution. The determination is such that Mike Isem does not hesitate to mention a possible supreme sacrifice to preserve the integrity of the fundamental law.
Faced with this popular protest, the head of state Félix Tshisekedi had mentioned the establishment of a commission responsible for studying the question of constitutional revision. An initiative which sparked strong reactions within the opposition and civil society.
The current citizen mobilization illustrates the dynamism of Congolese society and its capacity to mobilize in defense of its rights and its democratic institutions. In a tense political context, marked by power issues and political rivalries, the voice of the people resonates as a call to order for leaders: the Constitution belongs to the Congolese people, and any attempt to flout it will be vigorously fought.
Thus, the “Don’t touch my Constitution” campaign embodies the determination of the Congolese people to remain master of their destiny and to preserve the democratic achievements they have hard won. In a country in search of political stability and respect for democratic principles, this citizen mobilization constitutes a strong signal addressed to the authorities and the entire political class: the Congolese people are vigilant and determined to defend their rights and their sovereignty.