DRC opposition escalates constitutional battle with “dead city” action

The constitutional revision debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has entered a new, judicial phase. On June 4, 2026, in Kinshasa, leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) presented an assertive assessment of their “dead city” operation, initiated the previous day. They claimed significant participation in major urban centers nationwide, refuting official narratives that suggested the mobilization was limited solely to the capital. This event served as a crucial test of the opposition’s ability to influence the institutional agenda proposed by the presidential majority.

DRC opposition broadens front against constitutional reform

Formed to uphold Article 64 of the Congolese Basic Law, which guarantees citizens the right to resist any seizure of power by force or in violation of the Constitution, the C64 comprises several prominent figures opposing the proposed reform. Opposition leader Delly Sesanga notably commended the widespread adherence to the call beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has firmly established itself as a primary political force challenging the constitutional overhaul initiated by the presidential camp.

While discussions surrounding the revision are not new, they have intensified as members of the ruling majority suggested adapting the fundamental text. The opposition views this as a strategic move to pave the way for a third term for Félix Tshisekedi, who was elected in 2018 and re-elected in late 2023. The current Congolese Constitution restricts presidential terms to two consecutive mandates, a symbolic safeguard established during the post-Mobutu transition and frequently cited as a democratic bulwark.

Landmark complaint against Félix Tshisekedi elevates the challenge

The most significant announcement from this press conference was the impending filing of a formal complaint targeting the head of state and those the coalition identifies as his accomplices. The chosen charge, “attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,” is far from trivial, directly invoking the most severe penal provisions related to attacks on state institutions. By shifting the debate into the judicial arena, the C64 aims to transform a political dispute into a legal case, potentially engaging other stakeholders such as magistrates, the bar association, and civil society.

This move undoubtedly carries immense symbolic weight. While few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution of a legal proceeding against the sitting president, the initiative introduces a distinct narrative into the public discourse: that of a government suspected of orchestrating an institutional power grab. For Delly Sesanga and his allies, the objective is twofold: to establish a clear red line and to compel the majority to clarify its intentions regarding term limits and the actual scope of the proposed constitutional revision.

Tense political climate ahead of key deadlines in DRC

The DRC is navigating a delicate political period. The government faces a deteriorating security situation in the East, characterized by M23 activity and diplomatic pressure concerning the Rwandan issue. Domestically, the constitutional revision introduces another fault line between Kinshasa and a fragmented opposition that seeks to unify around clear, easily understandable messages. The C64 is banking on this clarity to broaden its appeal.

The actual impact of the “dead city” operation remains a point of contention. Authorities have downplayed its scale, while organizers assert its success extended far beyond the capital. Without consolidated independent data, its evaluation is open to interpretation. Ultimately, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and garner support from other political figures and provincial networks will dictate its influence in the power struggle with President Tshisekedi’s camp.

Regional observers note that the Congolese precedent aligns with a broader continental trend of debates concerning term limits, from recent events in Sénégal to older West African examples. Each instance shapes the political discourse of the continent and influences governance standards expected by international partners. The coalition intends to continue its mobilization efforts while fully embracing the shift of this struggle into the judicial sphere.