In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the issue of constitutional reform has returned to the forefront of political discussions following a recent statement by Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, second vice-president of the Senate, who has chosen not to support this initiative.

On Saturday 7 March, speaking to senior figures and activists from the presidential party gathered in Limete, Secretary-General Augustin Kabuya removed any doubt about the regime’s intentions: “Rest assured, we are going to amend this Constitution”. This statement is part of a debate that has been raging for several months on the future of the Congolese constitution, which was passed in 2006 and whose 20th anniversary was marked last February by a symposium organized at the National Assembly.

“Revising the Constitution is constitutional, while changing the Constitution is not constitutional,” says Vital Kamerhe, former president of the National Assembly. The revision is planned, but some articles are locked, including the one limiting the number of terms of office for the president of the republic.

“These violations are orchestrated by members of the executive branch and the presidential party (UDPS, Sacred Union), such as Augustin Kabuya, Mbata, Didier Budimbu, Paul Tshilumbu and Christophe Mboso Kodia, who are responsible for spreading an anti-constitutional message and implementing repressive policies,” says Baggothy Nyembo Sumaili, a Congolese member of the diaspora, in an open letter.

“If the UDPS persists in its reckless pursuit of changing the constitution, it will not only legitimize war, but also risk leading the country into civil war. It is time for the people to rise up and say ‘Stop’.” Prince EPENGE

For the Archbishop of Kinshasa and head of the Catholic community in Congo, there are better things to do. “How can a country like ours spend time, energy and even money talking about constitutional change instead of taking care of its abandoned youth?” asks Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo.

The citizen movement Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA), one of the most active civil society actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo, denounced in a statement published on Monday 9 March 2026 what it describes as an attempt at institutional “slippage” through the debate on the revision or amendment of the 2006 Constitution. This initiative aims to “offer a permanent lease to President Félix Tshisekedi,” whose second term expires in December 2028. The movement accuses the ruling power of diverting national priorities in favor of a political survival maneuver, while the country is facing an acute security crisis in the east (occupation by the M23/AFC supported by Rwanda, abuses by the ADF, etc.).

“Yesterday, we showed our determination to say no to any amendment to the Constitution. Today, we are ready to multiply that energy tenfold to defend democracy and respect for our laws,” said one internet user.

Wait and see.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma