The drc opposition c64 maintains ultimatum on constitutional changes

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the C64 opposition coalition is intensifying its stance against the proposed constitutional overhaul championed by the presidential camp. From Kinshasa, leaders of the coalition have reissued a firm ultimatum to head of state Félix Tshisekedi, demanding the outright withdrawal of any initiative to modify the nation’s foundational legal text. This political deadlock escalates amid an already precarious security situation unfolding in the eastern regions.

A united congolese opposition rejects constitutional reform

The C64 platform, which brings together several historical figures from the Congolese opposition, coalesced specifically around the rejection of Félix Tshisekedi’s promised constitutional revision. Its leaders argue that altering the fundamental document would effectively pave the way for an institutional reconfiguration custom-designed to benefit the incumbent administration. Their message to the President remains unequivocal: publicly abandon the project or prepare to face significant public mobilization.

For the coalition, the 2006 Constitution, ratified by referendum following the post-conflict transition, represents an indispensable democratic achievement. Its members are particularly concerned about any changes to provisions that safeguard the number and duration of presidential terms. This perspective aligns with segments of civil society and several religious institutions, which have voiced apprehensions about any redrafting of the document in recent months.

Félix tshisekedi’s political strategy in Kinshasa

Re-elected in December 2023 for a second term, Félix Tshisekedi had, as early as autumn 2024, highlighted the perceived necessity for a new Constitution, claiming it would be better adapted to Congolese realities. The presidential argument emphasizes the current text’s supposed inadequacy in addressing 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 bypass term limits and solidify the “Union Sacrée’s” entrenched position at the apex of state power.

The head of state announced the establishment of a commission tasked with reviewing the matter, a move critics view as the initial phase of a predetermined process. For the opposition coalition, this is not a technical debate or an academic exercise, but a pivotal political moment. This sequence mirrors past instances across the continent where “modernizing” revisions ultimately led to shifts in electoral calendars.

Tense social and security climate in the drc

The constitutional debate unfolds within an exceptionally challenging environment. In the country’s eastern parts, Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces have endured a large-scale offensive by the M23 armed group since the start of the year, reportedly backed by external forces according to several UN expert assessments. The fall of Goma and then Bukavu in the first quarter severely weakened state authority and fueled domestic dissent. The opposition contends that the government’s priority should be restoring territorial sovereignty rather than pursuing institutional reform.

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

It remains uncertain whether the C64’s ultimatum will translate into coordinated street actions or a purely political escalation. Previous calls for demonstrations by the opposition have seen inconsistent turnout, often contained by a robust police presence. The coalition now banks on a broader alliance with civil society and religious denominations to influence the presidential agenda, intending to sustain pressure until the head of state explicitly abandons the initiative.