Félix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently sparked controversy by announcing the establishment of a multi-sectoral national commission tasked with proposing a new Constitution adapted to Congolese realities by 2025. This decision, announced during a speech in Kisangani, immediately crystallized the attention and reactions within the Congolese political class.
The announcement by the Head of State has raised many reactions and questions within the Congolese political class. Some support this initiative by emphasizing the need to modernize the Constitution to better meet the needs and challenges of the country. Others, on the other hand, express concerns about the questioning of democratic achievements and fundamental principles enshrined in the current Constitution.
One of the main criticisms comes from the political opposition, represented by figures such as the spokesperson for the Ensemble pour la République party. These voices question the real motives behind this proposal for constitutional reform and warn against any risk of authoritarian drifts or of calling into question the democratic principles acquired after long struggles.
On the other hand, supporters of President Tshisekedi, including executives of his party, the UDPS, see in this initiative an opportunity to strengthen institutions and modernize the country’s legal framework to support its economic and social development. They emphasize that the current Constitution, drafted abroad, does not fully reflect the specificities and aspirations of the Congolese people.
Beyond political divisions, the question of constitutional reform raises major issues for the future of the DRC. It is a question of finding the right balance between the need to adapt institutions to the realities of the country and the preservation of democratic achievements and the fundamental rights of citizens. The establishment of a national commission to lead this process is an important first step, which must be carried out with transparency and consultation to ensure the legitimacy and acceptance of this reform by all political actors and Congolese civil society.
In conclusion, President Tshisekedi’s announcement marks the beginning of a crucial debate for the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This decision to reform the Constitution raises essential questions about the nature of the Congolese political regime and the prospects for its evolution. It will be up to political actors and civil society to engage in this process with responsibility and vigilance, to ensure that the constitutional reform effectively contributes to strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the DRC.