In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the prominent opposition coalition known as C64 is intensifying its resistance to the presidential camp’s proposed constitutional overhaul. From Kinshasa, leaders of the alliance have reiterated their firm ultimatum to Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, demanding the complete abandonment of any initiative to amend the nation’s foundational law. This political standoff escalates against a backdrop of already heightened security tensions, particularly in the country’s eastern regions.
A united Congolese opposition rejects constitutional revision
The C64 platform, which brings together several veteran figures from the Congolese opposition, specifically coalesced around its strong disapproval of the constitutional revision promised by Félix Tshisekedi. Its leadership views any alteration to the fundamental text as a dangerous precedent, potentially paving the way for institutional restructuring designed to consolidate the ruling power’s position. Their message to the President of the Republic remains unwavering: publicly renounce the project or face widespread public mobilization.
For the coalition, the 2006 Constitution, which was adopted via referendum following the post-conflict transition, represents a non-negotiable democratic achievement. Key members of the C64 are particularly concerned about changes to provisions that limit the number and duration of presidential terms. This perspective resonates with segments of civil society and various religious organizations, which have expressed reservations in recent months about any rewriting of the document.
Félix Tshisekedi’s political strategy in Kinshasa
Re-elected in December 2023 for a second term, Félix Tshisekedi first indicated in autumn 2024 the need for a new constitution, which he argued would be better suited to Congolese realities. The presidential argument highlights the perceived inadequacy of the current text in addressing the development and governance imperatives of a continent-sized nation with over one hundred million inhabitants. Conversely, opponents denounce this as a mere pretext to bypass term limits and further entrench the ruling Sacred Union at the highest echelons of government.
The Head of State has announced the formation of a commission tasked with examining the issue, a move that his detractors interpret as the initial step in a predetermined process. For the opposition coalition, this is not a technical debate or an academic exercise, but a pivotal political moment. The situation evokes similar instances observed elsewhere on the continent, where revisions presented as modernizing efforts ultimately led to shifts in electoral timelines.
A climate of social and security tension in the DRC
The constitutional debate unfolds within a particularly charged atmosphere. In the eastern part of the country, the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu have been experiencing a large-scale offensive by the M23 armed group since the beginning of the year, reportedly supported by external forces according to several UN expert reports. The fall of Goma and subsequently Bukavu during the first quarter has weakened state authority and fueled internal dissent. The opposition contends that the government’s priority should be the restoration of territorial sovereignty rather than an institutional overhaul.
Economically, the DRC remains a strategic supplier for global cobalt and copper supply chains, materials essential for the energy transition. Investors are closely monitoring the evolving political climate in Kinshasa, aware that any prolonged institutional crisis could impact the clarity of major mining contracts. Regional partners, including Angola and South Africa, are also watching the next phases of this political struggle 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 demonstrations by the opposition have resulted in varying levels of mobilization, often met with a deterrent police presence. The coalition is now banking on a broader alliance with civil society and religious denominations to influence the presidential agenda. The opposition coordination is determined to maintain pressure until the Head of State explicitly abandons the constitutional revision project.