Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo Criticizes C64’s Political Direction, Insisting That Defending the Constitution Must Not Be Confused with Violating It
Minembwe Capital News (MCN)
Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, Vice-President of the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), has criticized the political approach and direction of the C64 coalition, also known as Coalition Article 64. He argued that defending the Constitution must not be confused with attempting to reconcile the law with those who violate it.
In a message addressing constitutional and political issues, Nangaa expressed concern that the original objective of C64, which was to defend the Constitution, may have gradually shifted. He explained that the coalition had increasingly turned towards dialogue involving different political actors, extending even to mediation between opposing sides.
According to Nangaa, this approach risks causing the coalition to lose sight of the principles upon which it was founded, particularly when the central issue is whether the Constitution is being upheld or violated.
Nangaa: Defending the Constitution Does Not Mean Equating the Rule of Law with Its Violation
The FRN Vice-President emphasized that political courage does not consist of attempting to remain neutral between those who respect the law and those who violate it. Rather, he argued, it lies in recognizing what the law requires and remaining faithful to it.
In his words:
“Political courage is not demonstrated by remaining between the law and those who reject it. It is demonstrated by knowing where the law stands and refusing to deviate from it.”
Nangaa maintained that defending the Constitution requires a firm and consistent position, stressing that political dialogue must not place respect for the law and its violation on the same footing.
He also warned against the possible misuse of political dialogue, emphasizing that it must not become a means of legitimizing or justifying actions that could violate constitutional provisions governing how state power is established and exercised.
He Cites Charles de Gaulle as a Historical Example
To explain why he believes firm decisions are sometimes necessary, Nangaa recalled the call to resist Nazi rule made by General Charles de Gaulle in August 1940.
He invoked this historical example to illustrate that defending a country’s fundamental principles may require taking a clear and decisive stand rather than seeking compromise on principles considered essential to a state governed by the rule of law.
In Nangaa’s view, the Constitution should not be treated as a bargaining instrument in political negotiations, particularly when the rights and principles it protects may be at risk.
Goma as a Symbol of the Political Struggle in Congo
Nangaa also referred to Goma, portraying the city as a symbol of the Congolese people’s determination to confront the challenges facing their country.
He stated that the city continues to receive politicians, religious leaders, and representatives of foreign countries and international organizations seeking to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In his message, he invited members of the C64 coalition to travel to Goma, assuring them that they would be received with respect and dignity. However, he clarified that he did not want them to come as people seeking to reconcile the Constitution with those who violate it, but rather as advocates committed to ensuring that it is respected, in keeping with the objective for which their coalition was established.
The invitation comes as political debates in the DRC continue to focus on constitutional compliance, the exercise of state power, and possible solutions to the country’s ongoing challenges.
“The Constitution Is Not a Gift from Those in Power to the People”
Concluding his message, Nangaa stressed that the Constitution should not be regarded as a gift bestowed upon citizens by those in power. Instead, he argued, it establishes the limits that those exercising authority must not cross.
He said its purpose is to protect citizens against authoritarian rule and ensure that the country is governed according to the rule of law, with clear limits on the powers of its leaders.
He stated:
“The Constitution is not a gift that those in power give to the people. It is the limits that the people place on those in power. That is why defending it cannot become a bargaining chip in negotiations.”
He concluded by urging those committed to defending constitutional principles not to give up, declaring:
“Struggle is the only path to liberation!”
This message was delivered by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, Vice-President of the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN). It focuses on the role of the Constitution in defining the exercise of state power and on the direction the C64 coalition should take in pursuing its stated objective of ensuring constitutional compliance.
Minembwe Capital News (MCN)