In drc, constitution at the heart of scientific symposiums for students as government fiercely defends its change
The Ministry of Higher Education, University, Scientific Research and Innovation (ESURSI) is organizing scientific symposia from Wednesday, June 10 through Friday, June 12 in Kinshasa, Kisangani (Tshopo) and Lubumbashi (Haut-Katanga). According to the minister in charge, the initiative aims to foster a dynamic that promotes scientific research and strengthens the contribution of Congolese universities to national public debate, at a time when a referendum bill was passed in parliament on Tuesday.
“Nearly twenty years after the entry into force of the Constitution of February 18, 2006, this symposium seeks to conduct an in-depth scientific analysis of its achievements, its limitations, and the prospects for evolution adapted to the current realities of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The work is expected to result in recommendations that can strengthen the rule of law, democratic governance, and sustainable development for the country,” stated Minister Sombo Ayanne Safi Mukuna Marie-Thérèse.
The gatherings are taking place simultaneously around three thematic hubs: Kinshasa for geostrategic issues; Kisangani for sociological and environmental concerns; and Lubumbashi for industrial and energy transition topics.
The ministry invites lecturers, researchers, experts in constitutional law and social sciences, academic institutions, research centers, as well as advanced-level students to take part in these sessions. The ministry also calls on heads of higher and university education establishments to widely disseminate this information and mobilize researchers and experts from their institutions to contribute to the success of this major national meeting.
“Through this initiative, ESURSI reaffirms the central role of universities and research centers as think tanks and proposal forces serving the Nation. Active participation from the university community is expected to ensure the scientific quality of reflections and the relevance of recommendations that will emerge from the symposium,” the minister added.
The issue of constitutional reform—whether revision or outright change—had cooled off following offensives by the AFC/M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda, which led to the loss of large swaths of national territory. Against a diplomatic backdrop marked by the advancement of initiatives meant to resolve the security crisis, the debate has resurfaced and now sits at the heart of the political agenda. Carried notably by the UDPS, the presidential party and member of the ruling coalition Union sacrée, this discussion continues to generate sharp political tensions.
The UDPS, like the Union sacrée de la Nation, officially advocates for constitutional reform. However, the project does not enjoy unanimous support. Proponents of revision or change—including several Union sacrée officials—criticize the current 2006 Constitution, which they call a “trapped constitution” and deem ill-suited to the country’s realities. They point to issues related to state management, the definition of nationality, and the need to adapt the text to Congolese realities. Some also cite the pursuit of peace or question the feasibility of elections scheduled for 2028.
On the side of the opposition and other Congolese socio-political forces, this approach is firmly rejected. They view it as suicidal in a context marked by what they describe as an aggressive war waged by Rwanda through the AFC/M23 rebellion. They also believe that the Tshisekedi administration, given its widely criticized record since coming to power, no longer deserves to lead the country. For these opponents, the government’s desire to revise or change the Constitution in reality conceals an attempt to cling to power and pave the way for a third term for Félix Tshisekedi, who is currently in his second and final term at the helm of the nation. This term runs until January 2029, when he is due to hand over power to his successor.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the debate over constitutional reform has given rise to two dynamics within the Congolese socio-political landscape: on one hand, the creation of the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64), and on the other, the Coalition of Congolese for the Change of the Constitution (C4). Each camp claims to have popular support to achieve its respective objectives.
