CENCO warns constitutional revision is possible but risky amid DRC’s security crisis

Kinshasa March 26, 2026 - The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has stated that while revising the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo is legally possible, it would be risky under the country’s current security and political conditions.

Speaking during a press conference following its extraordinary plenary session held from March 23 to 25 in Kinshasa, CENCO leaders expressed concern over worsening insecurity, persistent instability, and a deepening humanitarian crisis affecting the population.

CENCO Secretary General Donatien Nshole reiterated the Church’s position that constitutional revision is allowed under existing legal procedures, but warned that opening such a process in the current climate could be dangerous due to lack of national consensus.

He stressed that the Constitution already outlines which provisions can or cannot be revised, and insisted that any reform process must be carefully managed to avoid further political tension.

The remarks come amid an ongoing national debate over possible constitutional changes, with supporters arguing that the 2006 Constitution no longer reflects current governance realities, while critics warn that reform efforts could be used for political advantage, including the removal of presidential term limits.

Opposition figures and civil society groups have raised concerns that such changes could extend the current president’s tenure beyond 2028, while the ruling camp maintains that reforms are needed to improve state efficiency.

CENCO called for caution and dialogue, emphasizing that any constitutional process must take place in a stable and consensual environment to avoid deepening existing national divisions.