Joseph Kabila Opposes Constitutional Revision in the DRC
Former President Joseph Kabila is mobilizing the Congolese people against President Félix Tshisekedi’s efforts to revise the Constitution. Kabila’s coalition claims the revision poses risks to national stability and accuses Tshisekedi of political maneuvers to deflect from security issues.
Former President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is initiating a movement to rally the Congolese populace against President Félix Tshisekedi’s initiative to form a specialized commission aimed at revising the nation’s Constitution. In a public declaration, Kabila’s political coalition, the Common Front for the Congo (FCC), announced plans to obstruct this constitutional revision, urging citizens to “rise up” in defense of their rights, freedoms, and sovereignty. Kabila has criticized President Tshisekedi’s rationale for the constitutional reform, wherein Tshisekedi claimed that the 2006 Constitution was crafted by “compatriots representing the diversity of the Congolese nation” rather than foreign entities as alleged by his critics. The FCC has accused the current administration of engaging in what they describe as “political machination,” asserting that the proposed revisions would distract from Tshisekedi’s failure to provide security for the nation. The FCC asserts that any changes to the Constitution pose a “danger to the peace, unity, and stability” of the DRC. This is not the first attempt at constitutional revision by Kabila, who attempted similar alterations in 2015 during his presidency. At that time, he had to abandon his efforts under the pressure of significant opposition from the Church, civil society, and political adversaries.
The current political climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo is marked by tensions surrounding constitutional reform and governance. Following Joseph Kabila’s two terms as president, President Félix Tshisekedi has sought to undertake a review of the 2006 Constitution, which Kabila had previously attempted to modify. The historical context of their political rivalry and the DRC’s tumultuous governance landscape is crucial to understanding the stakes involved. Kabila’s FCC believes that any changes to the constitutional framework could undermine the stability achieved since Kabila’s presidency.
In summary, Joseph Kabila’s call to mobilize against President Félix Tshisekedi’s constitutional revision plans highlights significant political tensions within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kabila’s FCC denounces the proposed reforms as detrimental to national unity and peace, reflecting deep-seated concerns about governance, security, and the safeguarding of Congolese sovereignty. As both leaders navigate this contentious issue, the response from the populace will be pivotal in shaping the future political landscape.
Original Source: allafrica.com
