On Wednesday afternoon, a tentative return to normalcy was observed in Kinshasa following the ‘dead city’ operation initiated by opposition parties united under the Coalition Article 64 (C64).

The primary objective of this widespread protest was to compel President Félix Tshisekedi to abandon his proposed constitutional amendments. While the opposition asserts a resounding public turnout, the presidential camp downplays the event’s significance and reiterates its resolve to press ahead with the reform process.

Capital’s calm under heavy security

Across various districts of the Congolese capital, many residents chose to remain indoors. A palpable sense of apprehension regarding potential clashes, coupled with a substantial deployment of security forces, contributed to an uncharacteristically quiet atmosphere in Kinshasa’s streets.

“I haven’t seen any students passing by. There’s no traffic at all. Schools are shut. We don’t want the Constitution changed. If we weren’t against it, we’d be at work. The people simply don’t want this,” a Kinshasa resident conveyed.

Another local described a situation marked by significant movement restrictions:

“Things are uneasy on this side. There are many soldiers and police officers dispersing people. It’s impossible to go out; no cars or motorbikes are circulating. The situation is dire. Shops are closed.”

Opposition hails widespread participation

At the conclusion of the protest day, opposition leaders presented what they considered an overwhelmingly successful outcome. They maintain that the populace responded en masse to their call and have already signaled plans for further large-scale actions to thwart the proposed constitutional reform.

Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, declared the mobilization a clear repudiation of the head of state.

“The people of Kinshasa responded with 99.9% adherence to the opposition’s appeal. By staying home, the populace not only heeded the opposition’s call but also disavowed Mr. Félix Tshisekedi’s dictatorial approach to altering the Constitution to cling to power. Félix Tshisekedi must grasp this message of rejection sent by the people who remained at home,” he cautioned.

Presidential camp unwavering on reform

The presidential majority vehemently rejects this interpretation of events. Officials from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) insist that the opposition’s call failed to achieve its stated objectives, and daily activities continued largely unimpeded throughout the capital.

Christian Lumu Lukusa, Vice-President of the UDPS Youth League, affirmed that citizens did not comply with the opposition’s directives. “Despite the anxiety generated by calls for violent acts from certain opposition leaders, the people did not follow their instructions. I assure you, Kinshasa is fully operational,” he stated.

The official also reaffirmed his party’s steadfast commitment to pursuing the constitutional reform.

“Regarding the proposed constitutional amendment, we will indeed uphold this project because it addresses a national imperative and reflects a desire to modernize our institutions,” he assured.

Referendum at the core of political tensions

According to Christian Lumu Lukusa, the envisioned reform is slated to be put to a referendum. This prospect follows the National Assembly’s adoption of the referendum bill on May 27.

However, the opposition continues to condemn this initiative, deeming it a violation of the current Constitution. This profound disagreement between the government and the opposition foreshadows further political clashes in the coming weeks.