Cardinal ambongo prioritizes peace over constitutional reform in dr Congo

On the 66th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s independence, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo delivered a powerful message to the nation. Speaking to worshippers at the Notre-Dame du Congo Cathedral in Kinshasa, the Archbishop highlighted the severe crises gripping the country—escalating insecurity, ongoing armed conflicts, the presence of foreign forces, widespread poverty, and the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic. In this dire context, he firmly rejected the notion of prioritizing a constitutional amendment over immediate efforts to restore peace.

“Do we truly believe that altering the Constitution—often touted as a solution to these crises—will address the suffering of the Congolese people? Especially when such changes are framed around a potential third term? Given the gravity of the situation, we neither see the necessity nor the urgency for constitutional reform. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s top priority is peace,” Ambongo declared. He added that the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo remains committed to fostering an inclusive national dialogue to achieve this goal.

united opposition against constitutional changes

The Cardinal’s stance resonates with widespread opposition to the proposed constitutional reform. The Laity Coordination Committee, the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO), and the Church of Christ in the Congo have all echoed his concerns, asserting that amending the Constitution is neither necessary nor timely under current circumstances.

Marie-Ange Mushobekwa, a former government minister and prominent figure in the Common Front for the Congo (FCC)—an alliance linked to former President Joseph Kabila—reaffirmed the coalition’s unwavering opposition to any revisions of Article 220 of the Constitution. The article explicitly limits presidents to two consecutive terms, after which they must step down and allow the Congolese people to choose a new leader through elections.

“Article 220 is non-negotiable. The Constitution clearly states that a president is entitled to only one renewal of their mandate. Once two terms are completed, they must relinquish power to the successor chosen by the people. All political parties and platforms within the FCC will actively participate in protests to prevent any constitutional amendments. We will take to the streets on July 8th to defend and protect our Constitution,” Mushobekwa emphasized.

civil society mobilizes against third-term ambitions

Civil society groups are also rallying behind the opposition’s call to action. Plamédie Bamata, a leader in the Patriotism movement, urged the youth of the DRC to join the upcoming July 8th protests. She framed the fight against a potential third term as a continuation of the struggles that have already cost many Congolese lives.

“We are determined to put an end to this third-term project, which has already seen too much bloodshed in the defense of our Constitution. On July 8th, we will march to the Palais de la Nation to voice our opposition and reject any attempts to destabilize our nation,” Bamata declared.

Earlier this year, both chambers of Parliament approved a draft law outlining the organization of a referendum on constitutional changes. The government and its majority allies have framed the law as a legal framework to regulate the referendum process. However, critics argue that it could pave the way for fundamental revisions to the Constitution.