In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the C64 opposition coalition continues its resolute stand against the proposed constitutional revision spearheaded by the presidential camp. From Kinshasa, its leaders have reiterated a firm ultimatum to Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, demanding the outright withdrawal of any initiative to alter the fundamental law. This political power struggle intensifies as the nation simultaneously grapples with a precarious security situation in its eastern regions.
Congolese opposition united against constitutional revision
The C64 platform, which brings together several veteran figures from the Congolese opposition, coalesced specifically around its rejection of the constitutional overhaul promised by President Tshisekedi. Its leaders contend that tampering with the foundational document would pave the way for an institutional restructuring designed to exclusively benefit the incumbent administration. The message conveyed to the President remains unequivocal: publicly abandon the project or face widespread mobilization.
For the coalition, the 2006 Constitution, which was adopted via referendum following the post-conflict transition, represents an inviolable democratic achievement. Its senior members particularly fear any modification to the provisions that restrict the number and duration of presidential terms. This perspective aligns with that of segments of civil society and several religious denominations, which have voiced their reservations about any re-writing of the text in recent months.
Félix Tshisekedi’s political calculations in Kinshasa
After securing re-election in December 2023 for a second term, Félix Tshisekedi had, as early as autumn 2024, alluded to the necessity of a new Constitution, which he argued would be better suited to Congolese realities. The presidential argument emphasizes the supposed inadequacy of the current text in addressing the development and governance imperatives of a continent-sized nation with over a hundred million inhabitants. Conversely, opponents denounce this as a mere pretext designed to circumvent term limits and solidify the Union Sacrée’s hold on the highest echelons of government.
The Head of State announced the formation of a commission tasked with reviewing the matter, a move perceived by his critics as the initial stage of a process with an already predetermined outcome. For the opposition coalition, this is neither a technical debate nor an academic exercise, but a pivotal political turning point. The situation evokes precedents observed elsewhere on the continent, where revisions presented as modernizing measures ultimately led to shifts in the electoral calendar.
Tense social and security climate in DRC
The constitutional debate unfolds within a particularly charged atmosphere. In the eastern part of the country, the provinces of Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu have been experiencing a large-scale offensive by the M23 armed group since the beginning of the year, reportedly backed by external forces. The fall of Goma, followed by Bukavu in the first quarter, has undermined state authority and fueled internal dissent. The opposition argues that the government’s primary focus should be on restoring territorial sovereignty rather than pursuing institutional reform.
Economically, the DRC remains a strategic supplier for global cobalt and copper supply chains, materials crucial for the energy transition. Investors are closely monitoring the evolving political climate in Kinshasa, aware that any prolonged institutional crisis could impact the visibility of major mining contracts. Regional partners, notably Angola and South Africa, are also observing the next steps of this standoff with keen interest.
It remains to be seen whether the C64’s ultimatum will translate into coordinated street actions or a purely political escalation. Previous calls for protests by the opposition have resulted in varying levels of mobilization, often met by a deterrent police presence. The coalition is now banking on an expanded alliance with civil society and religious denominations to influence the presidential agenda, intending to maintain pressure until the Head of State explicitly abandons the project.
