The heated debate over the change or revision of the constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to cause tensions within Congolese society. On the one hand, the regime of President Félix Tshisekedi ardently defends this initiative, while the opposition expresses concerns about a possible attempt to extend the presidential mandate.
The demonstrations opposed to this project have grown, prompting the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the interior, security, decentralization and customary affairs, Jacquemain Shabani, to take measures to maintain public order.
During the 22nd meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Minister reported on the rise in political tensions related to the debate on the constitutional revision. He assured that the national police was mobilized to ensure respect for fundamental rights and freedoms during the various demonstrations. He also called on political actors to supervise their supporters and avoid violent confrontations.
At the same time, the authorities are mobilizing to combat urban banditry and road incivility. An operational plan to combat this has been developed in collaboration with the security forces and the justice system, with a view to strengthening the security of citizens, particularly during this critical end-of-year period.
Faced with these challenges, a new movement, the Collectif Sursaut National, has emerged. This collective, bringing together voices from the opposition and civil society, denounces any amendment to the constitution aimed at allowing a possible third presidential term, calling such a maneuver a “constitutional coup d’état”. For them, this could plunge the country into instability and threaten national cohesion.
Large-scale actions are planned, including a rally on 14 December to commemorate the 2005 constitutional referendum. During a recent awareness-raising demonstration, political leaders were briefly apprehended by law enforcement.
In a delicate and polarised political context, it is essential to prioritise dialogue and respect for democratic procedures to avoid an escalation of tensions and preserve the stability of the country.