DR Congo’s President Calls for New Constitution Amid Divided Public Opinion

In a move that has sparked intense debate, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced plans to establish a commission to work on a new Constitution. The proposal, which was met with both enthusiasm and skepticism, aims to address the "weaknesses" of the current Constitution, adopted in 2006.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Kisangani, in the country’s north-east, Tshisekedi emphasized that the current Constitution is not "tailored to the realities of the country." He cited the delayed formation of the government and provincial assemblies, which he attributed to "selfish interests" within the ruling coalition. The president’s comments came nearly six months after his re-election, which was followed by a prolonged period of negotiations with the coalition parties over government representation.

The revision of the Constitution has been a long-standing call of the ruling coalition, with the Secretary General of the UDPS, Tshisekedi’s party, stating that the late leader of the party, Etienne Tshisekedi, had recommended a revision of the Constitution as far back as early October.

However, not everyone is convinced of the need for a new Constitution. Opposition figures have expressed concerns that Tshisekedi’s proposal is a ploy to extend his term in office. The 61-year-old president, who is serving his second and last term under the current Constitution, has dismissed these claims, stating that any changes to the presidential term would be a concern for the people, not for him personally.

The 2006 Constitution, which was adopted through a referendum, has undergone one revision in 2011. It remains to be seen whether Tshisekedi’s proposal will gain traction, or if it will face resistance from opposition groups and civil society organizations.

The debate around the Constitution comes at a time when the DRC is experiencing escalating violence, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. The government has struggled to maintain stability, and the establishment of a new Constitution may be seen as a distraction from more pressing issues.

As the proposed commission sets to work on drafting a new Constitution, the people of the DRC will be watching closely to see whether this move will bring about the changes they need, or if it will only serve to further entrench the status quo.