Former President Joseph Kabila is urging Congolese citizens to resist President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal to form a commission to revise the Constitution. The FCC warns that such revisions could threaten national unity and stability, drawing on Kabila’s past experience in attempting similar amendments.
Joseph Kabila, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is advocating for the Congolese populace to mobilize against the incumbent President Félix Tshisekedi’s intentions to form a dedicated commission aimed at amending the Constitution. Kabila’s political coalition, the Common Front for the Congo (FCC), has called for a widespread resistance to what it perceives as a dangerous revision process, claiming that the rights, freedoms, and sovereignty of the Congolese people are at stake. The FCC issued a statement indicating their belief that the President’s initiative is a political maneuver designed to distract citizens from ongoing issues related to national security. Kabila firmly rejected Tsisekedi’s claims that the current Constitution, established in 2006, reflects an internal consensus, stating instead that it was written by “compatriots representing the diversity of the Congolese nation.” The FCC alleges that any modification to the Constitution could jeopardize the country’s peace, unity, and stability. It is noteworthy that Kabila previously attempted to alter the Constitution in 2015 during his presidency but retreated from this effort amid resistance from various societal factions, including religious groups and political opponents.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a complex and tumultuous political history, marked by challenges in governance, civil unrest, and struggles for power. Joseph Kabila served as President from 2001 until 2019, during which his administration faced significant opposition and social discontent, particularly regarding constitutional amendments. The 2006 Constitution was created in response to historical issues of governance and aims to establish a framework for democracy in the nation. Félix Tshisekedi, who succeeded Kabila, has proposed a revision of this Constitution through the establishment of an expert commission, prompting a resurgence of political tensions.
In summary, Joseph Kabila’s call for mobilization reflects deep-rooted political divisions within the DRC, particularly in response to President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposed constitutional revisions. The FCC’s assertion that such changes threaten the stability and rights of Congolese citizens underscores the significance of the constitutional debate in the nation. The historical context of Kabila’s previous attempts to amend the Constitution highlights the ongoing susceptibility of Congolese politics to public sentiment and civic action.
Original Source: allafrica.com
