# FRN Demands Constitutional Clarity in DRC Doha Negotiations The politico-military group warns against constitutional changes threatening the ongoing peace process. - **Source:** [RFI – Afrique](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/213d93d6-c9ea-4483-b340-fb3cab0c17b2 ## Constitutional Dispute in Doha The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, a politico-military group, has formally requested that Qatari mediators address constitutional concerns. In a letter dated November 1, 2026, the movement expressed alarm over President Felix Tshisekedi’s potential plans to amend the constitution. This issue now threatens the stability of ongoing peace negotiations. ## Threat of Mobilization Led by former president Joseph Kabila, the FRN warned that any attempt to rupture the current constitutional order would trigger a strong response. Vice-president Bertrand Bisimwa stated the group would mobilize all necessary means to prevent such changes. The group remains vague regarding the specific nature of these potential countermeasures. ## Mediation Role Requested The FRN is urging the Qatari mediation team to demand an official clarification from Kinshasa regarding the president's intentions. They argue that the current constitutional framework is essential to the integrity of existing peace agreements. The group seeks to ensure that the government remains committed to the established legal protocols. ## Basis of Peace Agreements The movement cites the July 2025 declaration of principles and the November 2025 framework agreement as the foundation for current talks. These documents cover critical areas such as state authority, governance reforms, and security arrangements. The FRN maintains that these agreements are inextricably linked to the existing constitutional structure of the nation. ## Risk of Process Collapse While the FRN acknowledges that the signed texts do not explicitly forbid all constitutional evolution, they argue that a full replacement would be catastrophic. They believe such a move would fundamentally alter the conditions of their commitments, potentially leading to a total collapse of the fragile peace process currently under negotiation. ## Presidential Statements Cited The group’s concerns are fueled by recent public statements made by President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and Moscow. These remarks, which criticized the current constitution, have heightened fears of a third-term bid. The FRN is now pushing for this specific dossier to be included in the agenda for the next consultation. ## Negotiation Agenda Pressure By demanding that the constitutional issue be placed on the table, the FRN aims to force a transparent dialogue on the consequences of legal changes. They want to examine how any potential constitutional shift would impact the protocols already agreed upon. This move signals a hardening stance within the Doha discussions. ## Broader Political Implications This standoff highlights the deep mistrust between the government and the FRN, which absorbed the former AFC/M23 movement. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the peace process survives or descends into further instability. All eyes remain on the Qatari mediators to see if they can bridge this significant political divide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20261106-constitution-en-rdc-le-groupe-politico-militaire-frn-veut-une-clarification-du-pouvoir-lors-des-discussions-de-doha — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._