The constitutional reform debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has entered a crucial judicial phase. On June 4, 2026, leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) convened in Kinshasa to present an assertive assessment of their ‘ville morte’ (dead city) operation, which had commenced the previous day. The coalition asserted that numerous major urban centers across the nation had heeded their call, contradicting official narratives that downplayed the mobilization as being confined solely to the capital. This demonstration served as a pivotal real-world test of the opposition’s capacity to influence the institutional agenda championed by the presidential majority.

Opposition expands its front against constitutional amendments

Formed around the principle of defending 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 brings together prominent figures who oppose the proposed reforms. Among them, opposition leader Delly Sesanga spoke, commending the widespread adherence to the call in cities beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has now firmly established itself as a primary political vehicle for challenging the constitutional overhaul initiated by the ruling party.

While discussions surrounding constitutional revision are not new, they have intensified as high-ranking members of the majority have advocated for adapting the foundational text. The opposition interprets this move as a strategic maneuver designed to pave the way for a third term for Félix Tshisekedi, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected at the end of 2023. The current Congolese Constitution strictly limits presidential mandates to two consecutive terms, a symbolic safeguard inherited from the post-Mobutu transition, frequently invoked as a pillar of democratic stability.

Legal complaint against Félix Tshisekedi marks a significant escalation

The most impactful announcement from the conference was the impending submission of a formal complaint targeting the head of state and those the coalition identifies as his accomplices. The chosen legal qualification, ‘attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,’ is profoundly serious. It directly invokes the gravest criminal penalties associated with undermining state institutions. By shifting the discourse to the judicial arena, the C64 aims to transform a political protest into a legal case, potentially engaging other critical actors such as magistrates, the bar association, and civil society organizations.

Undoubtedly, this initiative carries immense symbolic weight. Few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution or successful prosecution against an incumbent president. Nevertheless, the action firmly implants a specific narrative in the public consciousness: that of a government suspected of preparing an institutional power grab. For Delly Sesanga and his allies, the objective is as much about establishing a clear red line as it is about compelling the majority to clarify its intentions regarding presidential term limits and the true scope of the envisioned constitutional revision.

Tense political climate ahead of crucial periods

The Democratic Republic of Congo is navigating a particularly sensitive political period. The government must contend with a deteriorating security situation in the East, characterized by the activities of the M23 rebel group 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 understood platforms. 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, thus far, downplayed its scale, while organizers assert success far beyond the capital. Without consolidated independent data, any assessment remains open to interpretation. Ultimately, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and secure the allegiance of other political figures, alongside provincial networks, will determine its leverage in the power dynamic with the Tshisekedi administration.

For regional observers, the Congolese precedent fits into a broader continental trend of debates over presidential term limits, echoing recent events in Senegal and older examples across West Africa. Each such episode shapes the political discourse of the continent and influences the governance standards expected by international partners. The coalition has declared its intention to persist with mobilization efforts while fully embracing the shift of the struggle to the judicial front.