The contentious debate surrounding constitutional amendments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is now shifting into the legal arena. Leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64), convening on June 4, 2026, in Kinshasa, presented an assertive assessment of their ‘ville morte’ (ghost town) operation, which commenced the previous day. They maintained that numerous major urban centers across the nation heeded their call, directly refuting official accounts that suggested the mobilization was confined solely to the capital. This action served as a crucial test of the opposition’s capacity to influence the institutional agenda championed by the ruling majority.
DRC opposition expands front against constitutional overhaul
Formed to uphold Article 64 of the Congolese Basic Law—which enshrines citizens’ right to thwart any seizure of power by force or in violation of the Constitution—the C64 unites prominent figures who oppose the proposed reform. Among them, opposition leader Delly Sesanga lauded the widespread participation in cities beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has firmly established itself as a principal political vehicle for contesting the constitutional reform initiative put forth by the presidential camp.
While discussions about constitutional revision are not new, they have intensified as members of the ruling majority have openly advocated for adapting the fundamental text. The opposition perceives this as a calculated maneuver to pave the way for a third term for Félix Tshisekedi, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected at the close of 2023. The current Congolese Constitution strictly limits presidential mandates to two consecutive terms, a symbolic safeguard inherited from the post-Mobutu transition era and frequently invoked as a cornerstone of democracy.
Legal challenge against Félix Tshisekedi marks significant escalation
The most impactful announcement from this conference was the impending submission of a formal complaint targeting the head of state and those the coalition identifies as his accomplices. The chosen charge, ‘attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,’ is profoundly significant. It directly invokes the most severe criminal penalties associated with assaults on state institutions. By moving the debate into the judicial sphere, the C64 aims to transform a political protest into a legal case, potentially engaging other stakeholders such as magistrates, the bar association, and civil society.
Undoubtedly, this initiative carries substantial symbolic weight. Few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution of proceedings directed against a sitting president. Nevertheless, the action firmly establishes a clear public narrative: that of a government suspected of preparing an institutional power grab. For Delly Sesanga and his allies, the objective is as much about drawing a red line as it is about compelling the majority to clarify its intentions regarding term limits and the true scope of the envisioned revision.
Tense political climate persists as DRC faces critical junctures
The Democratic Republic of Congo is navigating a sensitive political period. The government must contend with a deteriorating security situation in the East, marked by M23 activity and diplomatic pressures related to the Rwandan dossier. Domestically, the constitutional revision introduces an additional fault line between Kinshasa and a fragmented opposition that is striving to regroup around clear and easily understandable directives. The C64 is banking on this clarity to broaden its public appeal.
The actual impact of the ‘ville morte’ operation remains a point of contention. Authorities have, to date, downplayed its scale, while organizers assert success extending beyond the capital. Without consolidated independent data, evaluation remains open to interpretation. Crucially, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and to garner support from other political figures and provincial networks will determine its influence in the power struggle with the Tshisekedi administration.