Legal approval of the referendum framework has reignited fierce debate over potential constitutional amendments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The opposition coalition, Article 64, has vowed to keep pressure on the government following the Constitutional Court’s decision validating the referendum law. Prince Epenge, a prominent spokesperson, made it clear the group will not back down, declaring:
We won’t back off. We’re pooling every ounce of strength and energy to ensure this law never takes hold in our nation.
Epenge emphasized public anger, urging citizens to remain “standing, mobilized, and resolute against a third term and the threat of Balkanization.“
Kinshasa residents voice growing unease
As opposition leaders gathered in the capital to plot their next move, ordinary citizens expressed deep concern over the escalating political climate. Many fear further unrest could disrupt daily life and spiral into violence.
One resident questioned the opposition’s approach, wondering aloud:
Will their protests remain peaceful? We must avoid any loss of life.
Another voiced anxiety that the decision could push the country deeper into crisis:
The political environment here could quickly deteriorate following this ruling.
Some residents went further, accusing the government of deliberately stirring trouble:
The real source of chaos right now is the ruling power. They routinely deploy people to sabotage opposition marches.
Others warned that the most vulnerable would suffer the consequences:
The real victims will be the people. They’re the ones who pay the price when protests turn violent.
Could dialogue collapse?
Political analysts warn that fast-tracking the law risks derailing fragile peace efforts. Timo Roujean of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation cautioned that if President Félix Tshisekedi signs the document before mid-August, dialogue efforts may collapse entirely.
He stressed that in an already tense environment—where talk of a constitutional coup is growing—this decision could embolden factions advocating armed resistance:
If the law is enacted before August 15, any attempt at dialogue will be destroyed. This ruling gives ammunition to those claiming armed opposition is the only way to challenge the government.
The Constitutional Court’s decision has only deepened the divide. With the presidential camp now armed with a legal framework and the opposition dug in against constitutional changes, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of the DRC’s political crisis.