The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Higher Education has launched a series of high-profile academic symposiums across Kinshasa, Kisangani, and Lubumbashi, focusing on the nation’s 2006 Constitution. These events, running from June 10 to 12, aim to foster rigorous debate on constitutional reforms while tensions rise in political circles.

Minister Sombo Ayanne Safi Mukuna Marie-Thérèse emphasized that the gatherings would provide a platform for in-depth analysis of the Constitution’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential modernization. The symposiums are structured around three thematic hubs: geostrategic issues in Kinshasa, sociological and environmental challenges in Kisangani, and industrial transitions in Lubumbashi. The ministry has extended invitations to academics, constitutional law experts, social scientists, and advanced-level students, urging university leaders to mobilize researchers for active participation.

“The Constitution is not the property of politicians—it belongs to the people. These symposiums will generate actionable recommendations to strengthen democratic governance, the rule of law, and sustainable development in the DRC,” stated the minister.

The timing of these academic discussions coincides with intense political maneuvering in Parliament, where a referendum bill was recently approved. The ruling Union Sacrée coalition, including the UDPS party, advocates for constitutional reform, arguing the current text is outdated and fails to address critical national issues such as state management, nationality disputes, and election feasibility. Some proponents even suggest reforms could stabilize the country amid ongoing security crises linked to the M23 rebellion.

However, the opposition and civil society groups fiercely oppose these proposals. They view the push for constitutional change as a veiled attempt by President Félix Tshisekedi to extend his time in office, despite his constitutional term ending in January 2029. Critics highlight the president’s controversial tenure, marked by allegations of democratic backsliding and unmet governance promises.

The political schism has given rise to competing coalitions: the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) and the Coalition of Congolese for Constitutional Change (C4), each claiming broad public support for their respective stances. As these debates intensify, the university symposiums are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the national discourse on the country’s future.