Congo president faces opposition ultimatum over constitutional reform

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has opted to return the referendum law to parliament for a second review, despite the Constitutional Court’s validation of the legislation. This strategic move comes as the opposition coalition C64’s ultimatum approaches its deadline on August 15th.

The C64 alliance, comprising over sixty civil society organizations, has demanded that the president abandon his constitutional reform plans by the set deadline and reject the referendum law. They are also calling for an inclusive national dialogue to address the country’s political challenges. However, with just hours remaining before the ultimatum expires, no date has been announced for such discussions.

Tshisekedi’s tactical retreat under mounting pressure

While many anticipated the referendum law would automatically take effect due to the lack of presidential promulgation within the 15-day constitutional window, President Tshisekedi has chosen to send the bill back to parliament. This decision follows the Constitutional Court’s observations and aims to facilitate a new round of deliberations.

Professor Bob Kabamba, a political science expert at the University of Liège in Belgium, views this as a tactical retreat for the Congolese president. However, he cautions that this does not signal an abandonment of efforts to secure continued leadership beyond 2028, when Tshisekedi’s second term is set to conclude.

“It’s important to recognize that this decision comes after intense pressure from both domestic opposition forces and regional actors. These combined pressures, along with internal consultations, have compelled President Tshisekedi to reconsider his approach. While this represents a setback, it doesn’t mean he’s abandoned his broader strategy to navigate the 2028 transition challenge,” Kabamba explains.

C64 prepares decisive response after ultimatum deadline

Meanwhile, the C64 coalition has acknowledged the return of the referendum law to parliament but insists the pressure on President Tshisekedi will continue. With the August 15th deadline just hours away, coalition leaders are preparing a series of unspecified actions to maintain momentum.

Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary General of Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD) under former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, emphasized the coalition’s resolve: “When the clock strikes midnight on August 15th, we will confirm that no progress has been made. We will then announce comprehensive, targeted operations through our C64 laboratory to make our voices heard against a regime that has systematically eroded our freedoms and is attempting to strip away our national sovereignty.”

The political standoff escalates

From the government’s perspective, the referendum process remains a legitimate political and institutional initiative. The presidential team has dismissed the C64 ultimatum as an unjustified attempt to dictate state affairs.

Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a senior member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), President Tshisekedi’s party, responded to the coalition’s pressure: “The C64 ultimatum is their prerogative, perhaps designed to satisfy their own sponsors. However, the Republic continues to function according to its established norms.”

As the August 15th deadline approaches, the Democratic Republic of the Congo stands at a critical juncture. This weekend could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s political landscape, with both sides digging in their positions.