**Constitutional Referendum: Mfumu Ntoto’s Call for Debate and the DRC’s Political Legacy**
On January 6, during a press conference marked by impassioned rhetoric, the president of the political party Idéal Patriote, Mfumu Ntoto, launched a bold call for a constitutional referendum in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This proposal raises fundamental questions on both the political and socio-cultural levels, and invites us to rethink the country’s constitutional history, marked by numerous interruptions to democracy.
### An Eroded Constitutional Legacy
The DRC, a country that has experienced a series of upheavals since its independence in 1960, sees its constitutional history marred by suspensions and revisions that are often contested. According to Mfumu Ntoto, the event of September 29, 1960 – when President Joseph Kasa-Vubu adjourned both houses of parliament and established a “College of General Commissioners” – represents a tragic break with the Republic. This episode is often considered the beginning of a tumultuous and chaotic path for the DRC, where institutions were weakened and power was concentrated in the hands of a few.
### The Question of the Referendum: A Democratic Necessity?
The referendum is often seen as the direct expression of the popular will. However, for it to truly be a symbol of democracy, it is vital that it be conducted by legitimate actors. According to Mfumu Ntoto, only presidents elected by the people, such as Félix Tshisekedi, have the necessary legitimacy to call such a vote. This vision resonates with the idea that political legitimacy is not just about electoral victory, but is also rooted in integrity and the will to reform institutions in decline.
### A Reflection on the Effectiveness of Constitutional Revisions
In the past, many constitutional revisions in the DRC have been perceived as instruments for maintaining power rather than as real democratic advances. We remember the regimes of Mobutu and Kabila, where attempts at referendums often served to legitimize contested governance. It is in this context that Mfumu Ntoto’s call takes on particular resonance. It is not simply a question of demanding a revision, but of reestablishing a national debate on the very foundations of the Republic.
### A Collective and Inclusive Approach
However, to guarantee the success of a referendum, it is crucial that the process be inclusive. Far from being a unilateral decision, the referendum consultation should include all stakeholders: opposition parties, civil society organisations, and citizens.. Such an approach would help build trust in already fragile democratic institutions and give a sense of collective ownership to the constitutional review project. How could reform aspirations be balanced with the need to maintain social cohesion in a country still reeling from decades of internal conflict?
### A Balance between Reform and Traditions
It is also relevant to consider the ambivalent nature of political traditions in the DRC. On the one hand, calls for modernization and enlightened democracy; on the other, a rich history of political struggles that challenge democratic ideals. The revision of the Constitution could therefore also be accompanied by an introspection on these traditions and the values they convey. A debate on the Constitution should not only touch on the legal text, but also on the values that sustain Congolese society.
### Conclusion: Towards a Political Renaissance?
Mfumu Ntoto’s words should be taken as a warning signal, but also as an opportunity. As the DRC stands at a potentially historic turning point, the question remains: how do we move from revision to renewal? The proposed referendum could be the vehicle that transports the country from the shadow of a tumultuous history into the light of meaningful democratic governance.
Ultimately, this debate foreshadows a political renaissance that could, if properly oriented, allow the DRC not only to rediscover itself as a nation, but also to lay the foundations of a future where every voice counts in building the institutions of a truly sovereign country. The legitimacy of this approach will depend on a frank and inclusive dialogue between all components of Congolese society.