In a recent article for the Council on Foreign Relations, Michelle Gavin opines that the push to amend the constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will deepen the already palpable skepticism among citizens towards their government.
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Since assuming the presidency in 2018 through questionable means, Felix Tshisekedi has faced significant challenges in addressing the urgent needs of the Congolese people. “A leopard doesn’t change its spots,” as the saying goes, and many citizens are beginning to believe little has changed since his ascension. After his re-election in 2023, Tshisekedi has placed a renewed emphasis on constitutional reform, labeling the existing framework as antiquated and asserting that it was thrust upon the nation by foreign powers. He has signaled intentions to form a national commission dedicated to drafting a new and improved constitution within the coming year.
Yet, many Congolese interpret this sudden focus on revising the foundational laws as a strategic maneuver to alter or perhaps even abolish the existing presidential term limits ahead of Tshisekedi’s impending departure from office. It’s a classic case of “playing the politics game,” where the real motives may be shadowed by a facade of progress.
In a country where trust in leadership is already fragile, these developments stir up conversations about commitment versus self-interest. Observers argue that citizens are right to be wary. Given the DRC’s political history—rich with episodes of manipulation and broken promises—any change now raises hackles rather than hope.
Tshisekedi’s administration has been marked by a sense of stagnation on pressing matters such as economic development, public health crises, and rampant corruption. As he diverts focus towards constitutional amendments, citizens wonder if this reflects genuine attempts to modernize governance or merely a tactic to extend power. “Trust is earned, not given,” a wise person once said, and for many in the DRC, this remains an uphill battle.
To understand this situation fully, we must dive into the DRC’s complex political landscape, rife with historical precedents of leaders modifying legislative frameworks to maintain their grip on power. After decades of authoritarian rule, the nation longed for a democratic shift, only to find that change can be elusive. Traditional power plays often overshadow the citizens’ genuine desire for better governance and improved living conditions.
The proposal for constitutional change arrives at a moment fraught with tensions. The DRC has grappled with numerous armed conflicts and humanitarian crises that have left millions displaced and struggling for survival. In light of such hardships, any talk of constitutional revisions may seem disconnected from lived realities. Citizens are not just arguing over legal texts; they are debating survival amid the chaos.
It’s almost ironic that in a society where voices clamoring for justice grow louder every day, political leaders often appear, at least superficially, to be talking over the citizens rather than with them. As the narrative unfolds, suspicious minds view the constitutional proposal with a hefty dose of skepticism. “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me,” we all know how that goes, and Congolese citizens aren’t about to let history repeat itself.
Amid the swirling tides of uncertainty, civil society groups are speaking out, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance. These organizations strive to ensure that voices of the electorate are amplified in the ongoing discussions surrounding constitutional reform. “No voice unheard, no right ignored,” is the mantra many activists promote, aiming to engage their compatriots in the political discourse.
Ultimately, the issue reflects a broader struggle for governance that prioritizes citizens’ needs over political ambitions. The louder these voices rise, the harder it becomes for leadership to ignore the growing demand for authenticity and integrity in politics. Tshisekedi’s proposed constitutional changes could either lead to a meaningful evolution of governance or, conversely, to a deeper entrenchment of power that sidelines the populace’s interests.
A conundrum lies ahead: will history remember this moment as a rejuvenation of democratic principles, or will it simply echo the patterns of manipulation that have oft plagued the DRC? In many ways, the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo hinges on the choices made in light of constitutional reform. The essence of democracy is participation, and how leaders engage with their citizens in this critical juncture will ultimately shape the country’s collective destiny.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
