In a sudden reversal, President Félix Tshisekedi has opted to return the recently approved referendum bill to Parliament for a second review, despite the Constitutional Court’s green light. The move comes on the eve of the August 15 deadline set by the opposition coalition C64, which demands the withdrawal of the constitutional reform project and a national dialogue.

Tshisekedi’s tactical retreat under mounting pressure

Initially perceived as a fait accompli following the 15-day constitutional window for promulgation, the referendum bill has been sent back for further deliberation. Political observers suggest this is a strategic retreat by the Congolese leader, though not necessarily a sign of abandoning his objectives beyond the 2028 election cycle.

According to political analyst Bob Kabamba of the University of Liège, “The president’s maneuver reflects intense pressure from both domestic opposition and regional actors. While this represents a setback, it does not signal an end to Tshisekedi’s ambitions to extend his mandate beyond constitutional limits.”

C64 prepares decisive post-deadline measures

The opposition coalition, which includes over 60 civil society organizations, has welcomed the delay but remains unyielding. Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary-General of the Leadership for Governance and Development, warns of “surgical operations” to be launched after the ultimatum expires: “At midnight on August 15, we will confirm that no action has been taken. The C64 laboratory will deploy targeted measures to restore our stolen freedoms and national sovereignty.”

Power digs in its heels

Government officials continue to defend the referendum process as a legitimate constitutional exercise. Adolphe Amisi Makutano of the president’s UDPS party dismissed the opposition’s deadline as irrelevant, stating: “This ultimatum was never legally binding. The Republic continues to function normally.”

The standoff remains unresolved as both sides prepare for an escalation in the coming days.