The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, currently in Belgium for medical follow-up, responded to speculations regarding a possible amendment to the Constitution. In an interview with Top Congo FM this Wednesday, he clarified his position on the subject.
“I am driven by a leitmotif, salvation is the supreme law. I am very little concerned with controversy,” Tshisekedi said, dismissing rumors that he was seeking to extend his presidential term. “I never said that I will change the Constitution to add the number of years of the mandate. Besides, these are immovable provisions. We must consult the people again,” he added.
However, Tshisekedi expressed his desire to change some other provisions of the Constitution. “Look, the formation of the government, the elections of offices in parliament. Why does it have to take time? These are the things that need to be changed,” he explained. He also suggested that governors should be appointed by the government rather than elected by provincial deputies, arguing that “some local elections crystallize tribalism. We must be careful. Be careful, I care about the unity of the nation. I am the guarantor of it.”
Tshisekedi also mentioned the importance of a multi-sectoral commission composed of nationals to discuss potential changes. The Congolese head of state has been in Belgium for about ten days for follow-up treatment of a herniated disc, which led to his absence during the GENOCOST commemoration in Kisangani on August 2.
His office confirmed that the absence was due to medical reasons, stressing the president’s commitment to return as soon as possible to continue his duties.
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2024-08-07 06:40:41
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