Archbishop Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa delivered a sobering assessment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s current challenges during Independence Day celebrations. Speaking to congregants at Notre-Dame du Congo Cathedral, the prelate highlighted persistent insecurity, ongoing armed conflicts, foreign military presence, widespread poverty, and the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic. In this critical context, he questioned the urgency of constitutional reform proposals.

“Do we genuinely believe that altering the Constitution—often touted as a solution to these crises—will address the nation’s suffering? Would a constitutional amendment aimed at enabling a third term truly provide the most fitting response to the Congolese people’s hardships? Amid such grave circumstances, we see neither the necessity nor the urgency for constitutional change. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s top priority must be peace. This is why the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo remains committed to fostering an environment where comprehensive, inclusive dialogue can thrive,” stated Ambongo.

Unified opposition to constitutional changes

The Archbishop’s stance aligns with the positions of the Lay Coordination Committee, the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo, and the Church of Christ in Congo. These groups concur that constitutional reform is neither necessary nor urgent at this time.

Civil society and political alliances mobilize

Marie-Ange Mushobekwa, a former government minister and member of the Common Front for Congo—a coalition linked to former President Joseph Kabila—reiterated her organization’s opposition to any modification of Article 220 of the Constitution.

“Article 220 is non-negotiable. The Constitution clearly stipulates that any elected president is entitled to only one renewal of their mandate. After two terms, power must be transferred to a successor chosen by the Congolese people. All political parties and platforms within the Common Front for Congo will now take to the streets to oppose any constitutional amendment. We will march on July 8 to defend and safeguard our Constitution,” declared Mushobekwa.

Grassroots movements join the call to action

Civil society groups are also rallying behind the opposition’s stance. Plamédie Bamata, spokesperson for the Patriotism movement, has called on Congolese youth to participate in the planned July 8 demonstration.

“We are resolute in ending this third-term project, for which many Congolese have already sacrificed their lives to uphold this Constitution. We will take to the streets on July 8. We will march to the Palais de la Nation to voice our discontent and reject any attempt to destabilize our nation,” Bamata emphasized.

Parliament has already approved a draft law outlining the framework for a constitutional referendum. The government and ruling majority describe the legislation as a measure to legally regulate referendum processes.

However, the opposition warns that the law could pave the way for fundamental constitutional revisions.