President Tshisekedi Vows to Confront Opponents of Constitutional Reform

By The Inspirer.

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, has expressed his readiness to confront those opposing the amendment of the country’s constitution to align with the current realities.

Speaking on October 23, 2024, in Kisangani, Tshopo Province, President Tshisekedi stated that the constitution needs revision because it was “drafted abroad and by foreigners.”

However, opposition politicians, including Moïse Katumbi of the Ensemble party, Martin Fayulu of ECIDé, Delly Sesanga of Envol, and leaders of Christian organizations, have strongly opposed the proposal. They argue that amending the constitution is not a priority for the nation.

Fayulu remarked, “Félix Tshisekedi is playing with fire like a child. We will not allow him to tamper with the Constitution. The Constitution is not responsible for over 115 regions in the country being controlled by foreign forces, nor is it the reason for government mismanagement of funds.”

Katumbi and his allies claim that President Tshisekedi’s push for constitutional reform aims to secure a third presidential term, despite the current constitution limiting a president to two terms.

On November 16, 2024, in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province, Tshisekedi asserted that no one could prevent the Head of State from initiating a plan to amend the constitution.

The President clarified that some politicians and religious leaders distorted his Kisangani remarks by linking them to a potential third term, which he denied ever mentioning.

“Who will stop me, the protector of the nation? What I said in Kisangani has been misinterpreted—I never spoke about a third term. This is misinformation propagated by certain politicians and religious leaders regarding the proposal to amend the constitution,” Tshisekedi stated.

He warned that if these groups continue to mislead the public about the constitutional reform agenda, they would face legal action.

“I am warning those politicians and others aiming to mislead citizens. They will be brought to justice,” he declared.

On November 17, 2024, Fayulu reiterated his claims that he was the rightful winner of the 2018 presidential election, alleging that Tshisekedi stole his victory. Fayulu vowed to continue opposing the constitutional reform initiative.

“Félix Tshisekedi must understand one thing: I remain the legally elected President since 2018. Together with my people, I will firmly oppose his nefarious plan to amend the Constitution,” Fayulu stated.

Katumbi added that Tshisekedi’s remarks in Lubumbashi confirmed his authoritarian tendencies and disregard for the challenges facing the Congolese people.

Despite the opposition, President Tshisekedi reaffirmed his intention to establish a special commission to study the constitutional amendment process. He also emphasized that public consultations would be held, allowing citizens to voice their views on the proposal.

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