Fatshimetrie: The controversy surrounding the constitutional revision in the DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo is shaken by a lively controversy following the debate on the revision of the Constitution launched by President Félix Tshisekedi. This initiative has aroused fierce opposition from several political, social and intellectual figures in the country. Critics are unanimously speaking out against what they perceive as an attempt at manipulation aimed at extending the president’s power beyond his current term, based on a contested interpretation of Article 217 of the Constitution.
Moïse Katumbi, a former presidential candidate, denounces this approach, accusing it of aiming to “stay in power beyond this second usurped term”. According to him, President Tshisekedi is fraudulently using Article 217 to justify his designs. This vision is shared by Martin Fayulu, another opposition figure, who describes this interpretation as “manifestly absurd”. He claims that the article in question actually aims to promote African unity and in no way to legitimize a transfer of sovereignty, thus warning against the potential excesses of this constitutional revision.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege also spoke on the subject, warning against the danger that this initiative represents for democracy in the DRC. He denounces an attack on fundamental freedoms and an authoritarian drift that threatens the entire country. Delly Sesanga and Claudel-André Lubaya take the same line by denouncing respectively a quest for personal gain and a risk of a constitutional coup orchestrated by President Tshisekedi.
Faced with this unanimity of opposition, it is clear that the revision of the Constitution raises legitimate concerns within Congolese society. The various political, social and intellectual actors agree to denounce an attempt at constitutional reshuffle that could compromise democratic progress and the national integrity of the country.
It is therefore crucial that Congolese citizens mobilize to protect the democratic foundations of their country and ensure that any amendment to the Constitution respects the principles of transparency, legitimacy and good governance. Vigilance is required in the face of this major challenge that calls into question the future of democracy in the DRC.