The proposed constitutional amendments championed by President Félix Tshisekedi’s government continue to ignite fierce debate across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While some religious leaders have thrown their support behind the initiative, others are warning against potential risks to the nation’s hard-won democratic gains.

This ideological divide has intensified as the constitutional revision process moves forward, with lawmakers recently approving a draft law for a referendum on the changes.

Pentecostal churches back the reform

Pentecostal denominations have aligned themselves with the government’s narrative, arguing that the current Constitution—first adopted in 2006—no longer reflects the country’s institutional realities.

Archbishop Evariste Ejiba Yamampia, who leads the country’s Pentecostal churches, believes the proposed reforms could significantly enhance governance and national development.

“This is about safeguarding our national sovereignty. It’s also about governance efficiency, and third, it’s about development and improving living standards for our people. Once implemented, these changes will allow us to fully benefit from our country’s wealth. We can eliminate wasteful spending structures and redirect resources where they are truly needed,” he asserted.

Catholic Church urges caution

The National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (Cenco) has not yet issued an official stance. However, the Catholic Apostolate of Lay People of Congo (CALCC) has voiced strong reservations about altering the existing Constitution, which they view as the cornerstone of the country’s fragile democracy.

“The Church has consistently maintained that the current Constitution is the foundation of our young democracy. We have also repeatedly called for dialogue and wisdom in governance. The Church has emphasized time and again that power is a service to the people. At the same time, we urge all citizens—especially Catholic laypeople—to remain vigilant and engaged,” emphasized Faustin Onombili, CALCC president.

Political opposition intensifies criticism

The constitutional reform proposal has also deepened political rifts. Critics, including opposition figures, accuse President Tshisekedi of attempting to reshape the constitutional framework to consolidate personal power.

The Article 64 Coalition, which has labeled the initiative a “constitutional coup,” planned to file a legal complaint this week but postponed the action in favor of organizing a sit-in outside Parliament scheduled for Friday.

As the referendum looms, the debate over constitutional reform has never been more polarized—pitting those advocating for institutional modernization against defenders of the 2006 Constitution’s democratic framework.