In the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has opted to send the referendum bill back to Parliament for further deliberation. This decision follows a Constitutional Court ruling that deemed the bill compliant with the Constitution, albeit with certain reservations. This development occurred as the ultimatum issued by the Article 64 opposition coalition (C64) was set to expire this Saturday.

The C64, alongside approximately sixty civil society organizations, had demanded that the president abandon his proposed constitutional reform by August 15, thereby rejecting the referendum law. They also called for the initiation of an inclusive national dialogue. However, with the deadline fast approaching, no arrangements for such a dialogue have been announced.

Tshisekedi’s tactical withdrawal amid mounting pressure

Contrary to widespread belief that the law governing the organization of a referendum was already in force due to the constitutional fifteen-day promulgation period (Article 140 of the Congolese Constitution), President Félix Tshisekedi chose to return the text to Parliament.

The stated objective is a fresh round of deliberations, incorporating the observations made by the Constitutional Court.

Professor Bob Kabamba, an academic at the University of Liège in Belgium, views this presidential decision as a strategic retreat. He emphasizes that this does not signify Tshisekedi’s abandonment of efforts to potentially remain in power beyond 2028, the scheduled end of his second term.

“One must remember the significant pressure exerted by the opposition, as well as from regional countries. These pressures, combined with consultations that have taken place, compelled Tshisekedi to backtrack, notably by requesting a second reading of this controversial law. It’s a concession, but it won’t deter Tshisekedi from exploring other avenues to navigate past the 2028 deadline,” Professor Kabamba explained.

C64 vows new actions post-august 15 deadline

Meanwhile, the Article 64 coalition has welcomed the referral of the referendum law back to Parliament. However, it maintains its firm stance against the Congolese president. With only hours remaining until the August 15 ultimatum expires, the C64 is contemplating various unspecified