Germain Kambinga, leader of the Centre Nganda and former national Minister of Industry, has proposed that the next major national consultation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should be a referendum on the constitution. Speaking at the 10th October Conference, Kambinga stated that if security conditions permit, the first major national consultation in 2028 should not be a general election but a referendum on the Republic that the people want to live in.
Kambinga emphasized that the proposed referendum is not about extending his own political ambitions but about re-examining the country's institutional architecture. He advocates for a merit-based system for accessing public responsibilities, accountability of leaders, and an effective separation of powers. The Centre Nganda has been promoting the idea of a Fourth Republic since 2017, aiming to address issues such as decentralization and state capacity building.
The proposed referendum would allow Congolese people to decide on the future of their country's institutional framework. Kambinga stressed that the current Constitution of 2006 has played a crucial role in the country's reunification and has facilitated several electoral cycles and a peaceful transfer of power. However, he believes that this does not mean that the Constitution should remain unchanged forever.
Kambinga's proposal is conditioned on the restoration of state authority across the entire territory. He argues that it would be unfair to ask the people to decide on the country's future when parts of the territory are still inaccessible to national institutions. The conflict in the East has significantly impacted the state's functioning, and Kambinga believes that this issue must be addressed before holding a referendum.
The leader of the Centre Nganda also emphasized the need for a national dialogue that goes beyond mere power sharing among political actors. He advocates for a "Pact of Refoundation of the State" that would lead to a genuine transformation of the country's institutional architecture. This dialogue should be guided by the principles of law and involve competent institutions.
Kambinga's approach inverts the usual sequence of political events. Instead of starting with presidential ambitions and electoral coalitions, he proposes beginning with the issue of territory, state, and institutional choices. In this logic, the presidential election and other polls would take place after the Congolese people have determined the rules of the institutional game.
The Centre Nganda's proposal has sparked a national conversation about the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kambinga's emphasis on prioritizing the nation, territory, state, and people over individual ambitions and party interests has resonated with many. As the country prepares for the 2028 elections, Kambinga's ideas are likely to continue shaping the national debate.
Key points
- The proposed referendum would allow Congolese people to decide on the future of their country's institutional framework.
- Kambinga's proposal is conditioned on the restoration of state authority across the entire territory.
- The leader of the Centre Nganda advocates for a "Pact of Refoundation of the State" that would lead to a genuine transformation of the country's institutional architecture.
