Political tensions are escalating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the ruling party announced plans to launch a new coalition backing constitutional reform, just a day after opposition groups formed a platform to defend the country’s current Constitution.
The presidential party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, revealed on Wednesday that it will soon launch the Coalition of Congolese for Constitutional Change (C64).
The announcement comes only 24 hours after opposition figures unveiled the C64 coalition, also known as Article 64 for the Defence of Constitutional Order, a platform aimed at resisting any attempt to amend the Constitution.
The competing initiatives highlight growing divisions over the future of the DRC’s constitutional framework. Opposition parties have been rallying support around preserving the current Constitution, arguing that it safeguards democratic principles and institutional stability.
Meanwhile, members of the ruling coalition have intensified public campaigns in favour of constitutional reform, saying changes are needed to address governance challenges and support the country’s long-term development.
Speaking on the issue, Jonas Tshombela, president of the New Congolese Civil Society ), said any discussion on constitutional reform should be conducted transparently and involve broad public consultation.
The constitutional debate has become one of the most contentious political issues in the country, with both supporters and opponents seeking to mobilise public opinion ahead of what could become a defining national conversation.
–ChannelAfrica–
