Kananga, Kasaï-Central – President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has publicly expressed his support for a constitutional review, addressing a large crowd in Kananga on December 24, 2024. The gathering, which saw thousands of residents chanting for constitutional change, reflects growing public sentiment for reforms within the country’s political framework.
During the meeting, Tshisekedi emphasized that no one has the authority to prevent citizens from discussing their fundamental laws. “If you want the change of the Constitution, we will change it, and no one will come to forbid us,” he declared, resonating with the crowd’s calls for action. The President announced plans to establish a commission of Congolese experts tasked with assessing the current 2005 Constitution and proposing amendments that would be ultimately decided by the populace.
This push for constitutional reform comes amid rising political tensions as opposition leaders accuse Tshisekedi of potentially using this initiative to extend his presidency. Critics, including former president Joseph Kabila and other notable politicians such as Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi, have voiced concerns that such changes could undermine democratic progress in the DRC. They have called for nationwide protests to oppose any attempts to alter the Constitution, fearing it may lead to the removal of presidential term limits.
Tshisekedi’s remarks have reignited a contentious debate over governance in the DRC, particularly given past attempts by Kabila to revise the Constitution for similar reasons. As discussions about potential amendments unfold, all eyes are on how this initiative will impact political stability and public sentiment in the coming months.