In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has referred the referendum law back to Parliament for a second review, even though the Constitutional Court had already validated it with minor reservations. This move comes as the ultimatum issued by the opposition coalition Article 64 expires on Saturday.

The C64 coalition, along with over sixty civil society organizations, demands that the President abandon his constitutional reform plans by 15 August and reject the referendum law. They also call for an inclusive national dialogue. However, with the ultimatum deadline just hours away, no date has been set for such a dialogue.

Tshisekedi’s tactical retreat under pressure

While many assumed the referendum organization law was already in effect—given the lack of presidential promulgation within the 15-day constitutional deadline—President Félix Tshisekedi has chosen to return the text to Parliament. The goal is a new deliberation based on the Constitutional Court’s observations.

According to Professor Bob Kabamba, a political science lecturer at the University of Liège in Belgium, this decision represents a tactical retreat by President Tshisekedi. However, it does not signal an abandonment of his efforts to find a way to extend his time in power beyond 2028, when his second term ends.

“We must remember that there has been immense pressure, first from the opposition and then from regional actors. These pressures, combined with internal consultations, have pushed Tshisekedi to backtrack by requesting a second review of this contentious law. It’s a retreat, but one that won’t stop him from seeking alternative routes to overcome the 2028 hurdle,” Kabamba explains.

C64 vows fresh actions after 15 August

Meanwhile, the Article 64 coalition has welcomed the President’s decision to send the referendum law back to Parliament. Yet it remains steadfast in its demands. As the ultimatum deadline approaches, the C64 is preparing a series of unspecified but decisive actions.

“By midnight on 15 August, we will confirm that nothing has changed. We will announce major surgical operations to be launched by our C64 laboratory to make this regime understand that it has stolen our freedom and is now attempting to strip us of our national sovereignty,” declares Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary-General of the Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD), associated with former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo.

The standoff intensifies

From the government’s side, the referendum process is defended as a legitimate political and institutional initiative. The ultimatum from the C64 is dismissed as an illegitimate demand that cannot dictate the President’s agenda.

“As for the C64 ultimatum, you must understand that it belongs to them. It was perhaps meant to please their backers. But the Republic continues to function normally,” asserts Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the President’s party.

The political tug-of-war remains unresolved. The 15 August deadline could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s turbulent political landscape.