Meeting in Kalemie, the capital of Tanganyika province as part of the 11th Conference of Governors, the collective of provincial governors in the DRC expressed unanimous support for the proposed change to the Constitution on Wednesday, November 27. In a motion read by Fifi Masuka of Lualaba and addressed to President Félix Tshisekedi, the governors stressed that the current Constitution has “weaknesses” requiring a reform that they describe as “legitimate and beneficial”. They also invited the Congolese population to support this initiative. The governors highlighted their support for the President of the Republic in his actions to defend national integrity and good governance.
Faced with this position of the governors, different reactions were heard. While Jacquemain Shabani, VPM, Minister of the Interior and Rapporteur of the Conference, defends the governors’ approach by emphasizing the legitimacy of their position in the current political context of the country, discordant voices have emerged. Political figures such as Delly Sesanga, Jean-Claude Katende and the opponent Martin Fayulu have expressed their opposition to the proposed revision or change of the Constitution, denouncing anti-democratic maneuvers.
President Félix Tshisekedi justified his desire to revise the Constitution by emphasizing the need to adapt it to the current needs and realities of the country. However, this initiative has sparked controversy and opposition demonstrations, particularly from the citizen movement LUCHA, which denounces an attempt to keep the president in power beyond constitutional limits.
The controversy has focused in particular on the interpretation of Article 217 of the Constitution, with some political actors claiming that the presidential project would violate the legal provisions in force. The opposition and civil society have demonstrated their determination to oppose any amendment to the Constitution that they consider to be detrimental to democracy and constitutional principles.
In conclusion, the issue of revising or changing the Constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo raises heated debates and differences of opinion within the political class and civil society. It is essential to ensure an open and inclusive dialogue in order to find solutions that respect the democratic order and the interests of the Congolese nation.