DRC constitutional reform sparks fresh opposition protests
The Constitutional Court’s endorsement of the referendum law has reignited fierce debate over potential constitutional amendments, raising concerns about escalating political tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The opposition coalition Article 64 remains defiant following the court’s decision, which they argue paves the way for constitutional changes they strongly oppose. Prince Epenge, a coalition spokesperson, has urged citizens to stay mobilized, declaring, “We will not back down. We will pool our strength and energy to ensure this law cannot be implemented in our country.”
Epenge emphasized the public’s anger, urging people to “stand firm, stay mobilized, and resolutely reject the third term and any attempts at balkanization.”
Kinshasa residents voice growing unease
As coalition leaders met Wednesday evening to strategize, residents in Kinshasa expressed worries about a potential surge in political tensions. Many fear that upcoming protests could disrupt daily life or escalate into violence.
“Will their methods of protest remain peaceful?” questioned one resident, stressing the need to “avoid any loss of life.”
Another resident voiced concerns that “the political climate in the DRC could deteriorate further following this decision.”
“Those currently sowing chaos are the ones in power,” argued another resident. “They often deploy people to destabilize opposition marches.”
One resident emphasized the population’s vulnerability, stating, “It is the people who will suffer the consequences when protests turn violent.”
Dialogue at risk amid escalating tensions
Timo Roujean, an analyst with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, warned that rapid enactment of the law could harden the political climate. He cautioned that if President Félix Tshisekedi signs the text before August 15, efforts toward political dialogue could collapse, empowering factions advocating confrontation.
“If he signs the law before mid-August, the dialogue process risks being nullified,” Roujean stated, adding that “in an increasingly tense discourse where talk of a constitutional coup already circulates, this court decision could fuel arguments that armed resistance is the only way to oppose the government.”
The Constitutional Court’s ruling has not resolved the dispute. With the presidential camp now armed with a legal framework and an opposition determined to block any constitutional reform, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the DRC’s political crisis.