In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has opted to return the referendum law to Parliament for a second review, despite the Constitutional Court’s endorsement—albeit with reservations. This move comes as the ultimatum issued by the opposition coalition C64 reaches its climax this Saturday.

The C64 coalition, alongside over sixty civil society organizations, insists that the president abandon his constitutional reform plans by August 15 and reject the referendum law outright. They are also demanding the immediate launch of an inclusive national dialogue. Yet, with the deadline looming, no date has been set for these discussions.

Tshisekedi’s tactical retreat under mounting pressure

Contrary to expectations that the referendum law would take effect automatically after fifteen days without presidential approval—as per Article 140 of the Congolese Constitution—Tshisekedi has chosen to send the text back to Parliament. This decision aims to allow lawmakers to reconsider the law in light of the Constitutional Court’s observations.

Professor Bob Kabamba, a political scientist at the University of Liège in Belgium, views this as a clear retreat by President Tshisekedi. However, he cautions that this does not signal an end to the president’s ambitions to extend his time in power beyond 2028, the end of his second term.

“It’s important to remember that Tshisekedi faced immense pressure—not just from the opposition but also from regional actors. These combined forces, along with internal consultations, forced him to backtrack, particularly by requesting a second reading of the law. This is a tactical retreat, but it won’t stop him from pursuing other avenues to secure his political future beyond 2028,” Kabamba explains.

C64 prepares for post-ultimatum actions

While the coalition welcomes Tshisekedi’s decision to revisit the referendum law, it remains steadfast in its demands. With the August 15 deadline just hours away, the C64 is preparing a series of decisive actions, though specifics have yet to be disclosed.

“Once the deadline passes at midnight on August 15, we will confirm that nothing has been done. We will then announce a series of targeted operations through our C64 laboratory to make the regime understand that it has stolen our freedom and is now attempting to seize our national sovereignty,” declares Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary-General of the Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD), a group linked to former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo.

The standoff escalates

From the government’s perspective, the referendum process is framed as a legitimate political and institutional initiative. The C64’s ultimatum, however, is dismissed as an illegitimate demand that cannot dictate the president’s agenda.

“This ultimatum is theirs—crafted perhaps to please their backers. But the Republic continues to function as normal,” asserts Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a senior member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), President Tshisekedi’s party.

The confrontation shows no signs of easing. The August 15 deadline could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s political landscape.