Congo crisis: Tshisekedi steps back but opposition keeps up pressure
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has decided to send the referendum law back to Parliament for a second reading, just ahead of the ultimatum set by the Article 64 coalition. The move comes as the opposition maintains its demands, intensifying the political standoff in Kinshasa.
Tshisekedi’s tactical retreat amid mounting opposition
The president’s decision to return the referendum law to Parliament—despite the Constitutional Court’s prior approval—reflects a strategic shift under significant pressure. The Article 64 coalition, along with civil society groups, had demanded that Tshisekedi abandon his constitutional reform plans by August 15 and called for an inclusive national dialogue. However, no date has yet been set for such discussions.
Constitutional experts note that while the law’s return to Parliament is a setback for the president, it does not signal an end to his ambitions for staying in power beyond 2028, the end of his second term. Professor Bob Kabamba of the University of Liège suggests that Tshisekedi’s move is a tactical retreat, driven by regional and domestic pressures, but still leaves room for future maneuvers.
“We cannot overlook the intense pressure from both the opposition and neighboring countries, as well as consultations that have led Tshisekedi to backtrack by requesting a second reading of this law. It’s a retreat, but it won’t stop him from seeking other ways to push his agenda past 2028,” Kabamba explains.
Opposition vows escalated actions after August 15 deadline
The C64 coalition has acknowledged Tshisekedi’s decision but insists that the pressure will not ease. With the ultimatum set to expire at midnight on August 15, the coalition threatens “surgical operations” to reclaim what it describes as stolen freedoms and sovereignty.
Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary-General of the Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD) under former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, warns of decisive actions if the government fails to meet their demands. “At midnight on August 15, we will confirm that nothing has changed. We will announce major operations led by our C64 lab to make this regime see reason—a regime that has robbed us of our freedom and is on the verge of stealing our national sovereignty,” he declares.
Political deadlock deepens as both sides refuse to yield
While the government insists the referendum process remains a legitimate political and institutional effort, the opposition dismisses the ultimatum as irrelevant. Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Tshisekedi’s party, dismisses the C64’s demands as misguided.
“The ultimatum from C64 is theirs alone. It may appeal to their backers, but the Republic continues to function normally,” Makutano asserts. With no compromise in sight, the political crisis in the DRC appears poised to enter a new and uncertain phase.