DAKAR, Senegal — The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo has declared that a national commission will be established next year to formulate a new constitution for the nation. This announcement has generated apprehension among opposition members regarding the potential revision of presidential term limits.
Felix Tshisekedi, who secured reelection in December amid contested results, has been focused on legitimizing his role following a controversial 2018 election, as well as addressing the ongoing armed conflict in the eastern region of the country which has left many citizens dissatisfied.
During an official visit to Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo Province situated in the northeastern part of Congo, Tshisekedi criticized the existing constitution. “Our constitution is not good,” he remarked, emphasizing that it was developed outside the country by foreign entities. He referred specifically to the 2003 peace agreement that concluded a devastating civil war and established a government of national unity.
The current constitution, which was created domestically, was ratified via referendum in 2006 and marks the sixth iteration since the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960. In recent months, Tshisekedi has repeatedly labeled the existing constitution as “outdated.” Meanwhile, opposition factions have voiced their concerns that he may attempt to amend the two-term limit to extend his tenure.
On Wednesday, Tshisekedi criticized the sluggish governmental decision-making process, which often delays the formation of a government for months post-elections. He also pointed to the discord between provincial governors and assemblies as additional reasons to pursue a new constitutional framework. Tshisekedi asserted that the decision to alter presidential term limits should be made by the populace rather than himself.
However, he did not provide information on how the members of the proposed commission would be selected.
The Together for the Republic party, a prominent opposition group, has condemned Tshisekedi’s initiative. Hervé Diakiese, the party’s spokesperson, took to social media platform X to refute the president’s claims that the constitution was drafted by foreigners, stating, “It is false to claim that a constitution voted on in a referendum by the Congolese, after debate in the transitional parliament, is a constitution written by foreigners.” He characterized the current administration’s actions as seeking superficial remedies to genuine challenges.
Fred Bauma, a well-known human rights advocate and head of the social justice organization The Struggle for Change, criticized Tshisekedi for undermining the constitution after having pledged to uphold it during his inauguration earlier this year. “Today he poses as the first detractor of the constitution, and this after having violated it several times,” Bauma posted on X.
Analysts suggest that while Tshisekedi possesses the authority to initiate constitutional changes, any alteration would require the endorsement of 60% of parliament members or must be carried out through a referendum that garners more than 50% approval from the electorate.