Joseph Kabila Mobilizes Opposition Against Constitutional Revision in the DRC

Former President Joseph Kabila is mobilizing Congolese citizens to oppose President Félix Tshisekedi’s initiative to create a commission to amend the Constitution. The FCC claims this move is a political distraction from pressing security issues and could threaten national unity and peace.

Joseph Kabila, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is spearheading an initiative aimed at rallying the Congolese populace to resist President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal to form a specialized commission of experts mandated to amend the Constitution. The Common Front for the Congo (FCC), Kabila’s political coalition, has issued a call for public mobilization to thwart the constitutional revision, urging citizens to “rise up” in defense of their rights, freedom, and sovereignty, as stipulated in an FCC press release. Kabila has vociferously contested President Tshisekedi’s rationale for the proposed amendments, reiterating that the 2006 Constitution was crafted not by foreign entities but by Congolese individuals embodying the nation’s diversity. The FCC has attributed this initiative to a “political machination” on the part of the president, alleging it serves as a distraction from his failures in ensuring national security. The coalition has expressed concerns that any attempt to revise the Constitution poses a significant threat to the peace, unity, and stability of the DRC. It is notable that Kabila previously sought to modify the same Constitution during his presidency in 2015, yet was compelled to withdraw his efforts under substantial pressure from religious bodies, civil society, and opposition factions.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced political turbulence, especially regarding constitutional amendments that could alter the political landscape significantly. In 2015, Joseph Kabila faced intense backlash for his attempts to amend the Constitution to extend his presidency. The 2006 Constitution serves as a critical framework for governance in the DRC, framed by Congolese representatives post-conflict. The current political developments, particularly under President Félix Tshisekedi, reflect ongoing tensions between different political factions and their visions for the country’s governance structure.

In summary, Joseph Kabila’s recent mobilization effort against President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposed constitutional revision underscores the enduring political divides within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The FCC’s assertion that such changes could jeopardize national stability reveals profound mistrust regarding the intentions behind these proposed amendments. As the political scenario evolves, the response of the Congolese populace and the implications of these developments will be crucial in shaping the DRC’s future.

Original Source: allafrica.com