In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the C64 opposition coalition continues to exert significant pressure against the proposed constitutional revision spearheaded by the presidential camp. From Kinshasa, leaders of the alliance have reiterated a firm ultimatum to Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, demanding the complete and immediate withdrawal of any efforts to alter the nation’s fundamental law. This political confrontation intensifies as the country simultaneously grapples with an already precarious security situation in its eastern regions.

A united Congolese opposition rejects constitutional revision

The C64 platform, which brings together several veteran figures of the Congolese opposition, was specifically formed around the principle of rejecting the constitutional revision promised by Félix Tshisekedi. Its leaders view any modification to the foundational text as a dangerous precedent, potentially paving the way for institutional reconfigurations designed to benefit the incumbent power. The message delivered to the President of the Republic remains unambiguous: publicly abandon the project or face widespread public mobilization.

For the coalition, the 2006 Constitution, which was ratified by referendum following the post-conflict transition, represents a non-negotiable democratic achievement. Its key members are particularly concerned about potential alterations to provisions that limit the number and duration of presidential terms. This perspective aligns with sentiments expressed by segments of civil society and several religious institutions, which have voiced their reservations about any rewriting of the document in recent months.

Félix Tshisekedi’s political calculations in Kinshasa

Re-elected in December 2023 for a second term, Félix Tshisekedi had, as early as autumn 2024, articulated the need for a new Constitution, which he believes would be better adapted to Congolese realities. The presidential argument emphasizes the supposed inadequacy of the current text in meeting the development and governance imperatives of a continent-sized nation with over one hundred million inhabitants. Conversely, opponents denounce this as a mere pretext designed to circumvent term limits and solidify the grip of the ruling Sacred Union at the apex of state power.

The Head of State announced the establishment of a commission tasked with examining the matter, a move perceived by his critics as the initial phase of a process whose outcome is already predetermined. For the opposition coalition, this is neither a technical debate nor an academic exercise, but a pivotal political turning point. The situation evokes parallels with previous instances observed elsewhere on the continent, where revisions presented as modernizing efforts ultimately led to shifts in electoral calendars.

A tense social and security climate in the DRC

The constitutional debate unfolds within an exceptionally challenging environment. In the eastern part of the country, the provinces of North-Kivu and South-Kivu have been experiencing a large-scale offensive by the M23 armed group since the beginning of the year, reportedly supported by external forces according to various UN expert assessments. The fall of Goma, followed by Bukavu in the first quarter, has undermined state authority and fueled internal dissent. The opposition maintains that the government’s primary focus should be on restoring territorial sovereignty rather than pursuing institutional reform.

Economically, the DRC remains a strategic supplier for global cobalt and copper supply chains, materials essential for the energy transition. Investors are closely monitoring the evolving political climate in Kinshasa, aware that any prolonged institutional crisis could impact the visibility and stability of major mining contracts. Regional partners, including Angola and South Africa, are also observing the next stages of this political struggle with keen interest.

It remains to be seen whether the C64’s ultimatum will translate into coordinated street actions or primarily political escalation. Previous calls for demonstrations by the opposition have resulted in uneven mobilization, often met with a deterrent police presence. The coalition is now banking on a broader alliance with civil society and religious confessions to influence the presidential agenda, intending to maintain pressure until the Head of State explicitly abandons the constitutional revision initiative.