** DRC: at the crossroads between constitution and national sovereignty **
February 18, 2025 marks not only the 19th anniversary of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but also a crucial moment to reflect on the future of the country, while it faces a particularly war of aggression virulent. This fundamental text, adopted in 2006 after a referendum, is today at the heart of a feverish debate within the country, but the position of Denise Muluka, notorious of Kasai and president of the NGD Eythan, invites you to concentrate On more pressing issues.
### Alarming observations and unit emergency
Denise Muluka’s declaration is final: in full security turmoil, it would be unlikely to polarize on a possible constitutional reshuffle. His remarks, which call for solidarity and unity in the face of the threats that hover over the nation, remind us that the constitutional base is still fragile when the life of millions of Congolese is jeopardized. In a country already bruised by decades of conflicts, the current priority must focus on the protection of citizens and the fight against aggression.
### The need for reflection on national identity
At a deeper level, this call to put aside constitutional reforms to focus on national defense raises an essential question: what is the identity of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the current context? The 2006 Constitution, while being an advance compared to those of 1964 and 1967, has not yet succeeded in cement a unified national identity. The ethnic and cultural diversity of the country, far from being an asset, is too often exploited as a factor of division. The question of national sovereignty is essential here: how to unite these identities around a common project without fear of tensions?
### disturbing statistics and resource mobilization
The figures around the situation in the DRC are alarming. According to reports from humanitarian organizations, millions of Congolese have been living in food insecure since the start of the war. In 2023, more than 6 million people displaced inside the country were recorded due to violence. The challenge is colossal, and the resources necessary to deal with it are often derisory compared to the extent of the crisis. Thus, is it really judicious to devote energy and resources to a constitutional debate which could further divide the nation when the human drama intensifies?
### A proactive and collaborative approach
Instead of getting bogged down in discussions that will not solve current conflicts, it might be good to explore innovative avenues. Why not encourage a national dialogue that would include all actors in society, from politicians to community leaders, including young people and women, to formulate a collective vision of security and peace? This approach could make it possible to build unexpected solidarity and untie intercommunity tensions, making any reform – constitutional or other – more acceptable.
### Conclusion: a call for introspection and resilience
On this anniversary day, instead of getting lost in the meanders of constitutional criticism, the DRC is at a turning point. Denise Muluka’s call resonates as a cry of alarm not only for national defense, but also for the promotion of a spirit of unity and reconciliation. National sovereignty is not simply built on texts, but is forged in the hearts and minds of citizens. In this struggle to ensure the dignity and security of each Congolese, the real reform could well reside in solidarity, dialogue and collective action.
In short, the 2006 Constitution perhaps lives its flaws, but the real project to be tackled is none other than that of the unity and the resilience of a people in the face of adversity. It is only then that the country will be able to envisage a future where everyone finds its place in this great mosaic that is the Democratic Republic of Congo.