2024 will undoubtedly remain a landmark year for the Democratic Republic of Congo. The thorny issue of constitutional revision or change of the Constitution continues to fuel political debates with a passion and intensity worthy of the greatest moments in the country’s political history. In this burning context, the intervention of the Secretary General of the “Ekolo” political party, Me Jacob Mbangi, resonates as a voice of reason emerging in the midst of the tumult.
In a courageous column, Me Jacob Mbangi warns against the risks of a dangerous precedent that could be created by organizing a referendum without a prior legal framework. By highlighting the legal vagueness surrounding this approach and the possible political excesses that it could generate, the lawyer underlines the crucial importance of respecting the spirit of the Constitution and preventing any instrumentalization of democratic mechanisms for partisan purposes.
The absence of an organic law governing the referendum process in the DRC constitutes a real legal headache, leaving the door open to all opportunistic interpretations. Mr. Jacob Mbangi highlights the urgent need for Parliament to adopt such a law, clearly defining the organizational modalities and guaranteeing the transparency of the process, in order to avoid any misuse for political purposes.
The issue goes far beyond the simple question of constitutional revision. It is about safeguarding the fundamental principles of the rule of law and consolidating a still fragile democracy. Mr. Jacob Mbangi warns against the potential excesses of a poorly supervised referendum, which could not only further weaken democratic institutions, but also accentuate the political tensions already palpable in the country.
In this pivotal period, where political interests seem to overlap with the national interest, Mr. Jacob Mbangi’s call for prudence and legal rigor resonates like an echo of lucidity in the midst of the tumult. Promoting a genuine democratic process, based on clear and transparent rules, is essential to preserve the political and social stability of the country.
In conclusion, Me Jacob Mbangi warns against the trap of political ambitions disguised as democratic exercises. Recalling that the sovereignty of the people must be exercised in compliance with legal and democratic standards, he calls for a thorough and inclusive reflection on the question of the referendum in the DRC. Because, ultimately, true democracy rests on solid and unshakeable foundations, far from political manipulation and calculations.