Archbishop Backs DRC Constitution Reform Plan

Archbishop Ejiba Yamapia has argued that the Democratic Republic of Congo should consider constitutional change, saying the country’s current framework does not fully reflect its religious and social realities, according to Actualité.cd’s report.

Speaking during an X Space hosted by journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, Yamapia questioned why a country he described as having “80 or 90% believers” should continue to define itself as secular.

The DRC Constitution currently describes the country as a “secular” state, a point also reflected in constitutional reference texts.

The archbishop said constitutional reform should also address the principle of exclusive Congolese nationality. He argued that the current rule affects members of the diaspora who acquire another nationality, including young Congolese talents abroad who could otherwise contribute to national life.

Yamapia also linked the debate to wider reform discussions, saying recent Washington agreements may require legal alignment with the existing constitutional framework.

His comments come as constitutional revision remains politically sensitive in the DRC, where opposition figures have previously warned against changes that could affect democratic safeguards, according to previous reporting.

He also rejected personal attacks against people supporting reform, saying public debate should remain respectful. For Yamapia, the issue is not only political but also civic, religious and institutional.