In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has taken a tactical step back by returning a contentious referendum bill to Parliament for a second review. This move comes just before the deadline set by the opposition coalition known as Article 64, which expires tomorrow. The coalition, alongside dozens of civil society groups, had demanded that the president abandon his constitutional reform agenda by August 15 and reject the referendum bill outright. Additionally, they called for an inclusive national dialogue, though no date has been announced for such talks.

Opposition keeps up the pressure

The coalition, composed of over 60 organizations, is maintaining its stance even as the clock ticks down. They warned that if no action is taken by midnight, they will launch a series of decisive measures to push back against what they describe as a regime undermining both freedom and national sovereignty.

Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary General of Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD) and a close ally of former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, stated, “By midnight on August 15, we will confirm that nothing has been done. We will then unveil a set of surgical operations—coordinated by our C64 lab—to make this regime understand that our freedoms have already been stolen, and now they risk taking our national sovereignty as well.”

A strategic retreat or a change of course?

President Tshisekedi’s decision to send the bill back to Parliament follows a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court, which declared the referendum law constitutionally valid but with reservations. Many expected the law to take effect automatically, given that it was not signed into law within the 15-day constitutional deadline. However, by opting for a second parliamentary review, Tshisekedi appears to be buying time amid mounting pressure.

Political analyst Bob Kabamba, a professor at the University of Liège in Belgium, views this as a clear retreat but not necessarily a surrender. “We must recognize that Tshisekedi has faced enormous pressure—not just from the opposition but also from regional actors. These combined forces, along with behind-the-scenes consultations, have forced him to backtrack. However, this retreat does not mean he has abandoned his ambitions to extend his stay in power beyond 2028,” he explained.

Government defends its position

Meanwhile, the government continues to defend the referendum process as a legitimate political and institutional initiative. Officials have dismissed the C64 ultimatum as an illegitimate attempt to dictate the president’s agenda.

Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a senior member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the ruling party, responded to the opposition’s demands by stating, “This ultimatum is theirs to make. It may appeal to their backers, but the Republic continues to function as it should.”

The standoff between the government and the opposition coalition remains unresolved. As the August 15 deadline approaches, the coming days could set the stage for a new chapter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s political landscape.