Sixty-five civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo have submitted a memorandum to President Félix Tshisekedi and key government institutions, calling on the head of state to scrap plans for a constitutional referendum.
The coalition argues that conducting a referendum would misuse national resources during an ongoing period of security, humanitarian, and economic instability. The groups highlighted the ongoing armed conflict in eastern Congo, the severe hardship experienced by millions of displaced individuals, and deteriorating general living conditions across the nation. They cautioned that pushing forward with the referendum legislation might be viewed as an attempt to alter the constitution, which could exacerbate existing political friction.
The signing organizations, which include No to Constitutional Change, Civil Bridge, Génération Z RDC, LUCHA-RDC, and Filimbi, urged President Tshisekedi to prioritize national stability and address the immediate needs of the population.
In response, the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress party maintained that establishing a legal framework for a referendum is essential to resolve an existing legal vacuum and to define procedures for exercising popular sovereignty.
This disagreement adds further tension to a nation already grappling with conflict in its eastern provinces alongside widespread economic and social hardship.
