drc’s quiet protest: opposition challenges president tshisekedi’s constitutional ambitions
As discussions surrounding a proposed constitutional amendment gain momentum, significant voices are emerging to decry what they perceive as an attempt to consolidate power. On June 3, a coalition of political opposition figures and civil society organizations, known as the C 64, urged citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo to observe a “dead city” day. This widespread action aimed to protest President Félix Tshisekedi’s apparent desire to secure a third presidential term. For a debut demonstration, the initiative proved remarkably successful, with directives widely heeded across the capital. Kinshasa, typically a bustling metropolis, experienced a noticeable slowdown, as numerous businesses remained shuttered in solidarity.
DRC constitutional revision hinges on political leverage
Buoyed by the success of this initial “ville morte” day, the opposition is expected to sustain its mobilization efforts, hoping to compel President Félix Tshisekedi to abandon his pursuit of a third mandate. However, current indications suggest that more will be required to sway the incumbent of the Palais de la Nation, who seemingly has no intention of retiring after his two constitutional terms conclude. To achieve his objective, President Tshisekedi appears to favor bypassing standard constitutional provisions by opting for a referendum, thereby creating the impression of popular endorsement for his political ambitions. This strategy is not new in Africa, where it has long been understood, since the era of Gabon’s late Omar Bongo, that referendums are rarely organized to be lost. Therefore, convinced of his path, Félix Tshisekedi is unlikely to back down and intends to see his plan through. Already, in what appears to be a counter-move against the increasingly vocal opposition, the Congolese government is also rallying its own supporters. Pro-constitutional change religious leaders, for instance, have called for a street demonstration on June 5 to express their solidarity with the head of state. It is becoming increasingly clear that any potential DRC constitutional revision will ultimately depend on the prevailing balance of power on the ground. The amendment will likely pass if the power dynamics favor Tshisekedi, but it could be shelved if the opposition effectively leverages its political strength. Such is often the nature of political life in Africa, where leaders frequently repeat the mistakes of their predecessors while expecting different outcomes. It is worth remembering that Félix Tshisekedi, while in opposition, fiercely resisted similar attempts by then-President Joseph Kabila to seek another term in 2018. Faced with widespread Congolese mobilization, Kabila eventually retreated, carefully selecting Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary as his successor, who was ultimately defeated in a widely contested election.
President Tshisekedi appears to exacerbate existing challenges
Having ascended to power under circumstances that drew considerable scrutiny, Félix Tshisekedi now appears to be succumbing to the temptation of remaining in office, maneuvering for a third term. This pursuit unfolds even as the Democratic Republic of Congo grapples with a severe security crisis that threatens the nation’s very existence, with much of the eastern region beyond Kinshasa’s effective control. This situation underscores the grave danger the country faces. Should a socio-political crisis compound the existing security challenges, the DRC risks plunging into deeper instability. Adding to these woes, the ongoing Ebola epidemic continues to cause devastation across the country. Instead of confronting these pressing emergencies, President Tshisekedi seems to be adding further complications, thereby worsening an already precarious situation. It is important to recall that in their Social Pact, submitted to the Congolese head of state, prominent religious leaders had urged him to initiate an immediate and inclusive dialogue with all national stakeholders to find holistic solutions to the DRC’s myriad problems. Several months have passed since then, with little discernible progress in this direction. The reasons remain unclear. Does Tshisekedi believe he holds a position of unassailable strength? It is difficult to say. Indeed, it often appears that African politicians fail to learn from the errors of others, stubbornly pursuing their own agendas until they are overwhelmed by the consequences of their misdeeds.