DR Congo bishops warn against constitutional changes threatening peace
- Politics
The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a stern warning against proposals to amend the constitution of February 18, 2006. The Church emphasizes that tampering with locked articles could expose the country to « enormous risks, including balkanization. »
In a sharply worded statement, CENCO spokesperson Donatien Nshole condemned maneuvers he claims are designed to « grant another presidential term to the current head of state. » The Church views such moves as a direct threat to the « historic political compromise » painstakingly achieved after decades of crises since independence.
According to Nshole, the recent law on referendums—passed under the pretext of filling a legal void—could open the door to a public consultation that would violate constitutional order by altering matters already protected under Article 220. This article, which caps presidential terms and limits their duration, is described as a bulwark against dictatorship and state capture.
The CENCO warns that any forced changes to the constitution could trigger « severe consequences, including civil war fueled by ethnic and tribal rivalries. » The bishops stress that they see « no necessity, urgency, or opportunity » for constitutional reform at this time.
For the Catholic Church in DR Congo, national priorities remain « peace, social welfare, unity, and national cohesion. » The institution calls for dialogue and adherence to existing legal frameworks to safeguard the country’s stability.
