Congo’s opposition coalition C64 has postponed nationwide protests originally scheduled for two weeks, until July 8. The decision was taken following a mediation initiative by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the current chair of the African Union.
Formed in May, the C64 coalition – named after Article 64 of the DRC Constitution, which gives citizens the right to protest unconstitutional seizures of power – brings together opposition leaders including Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, Jean-Marc Cabund and Dely Ssanga.
The coalition has accused President Felix Tshisekedi of using the referendum on the new constitution to pave the way for a third presidential term and is demanding his resignation.
Following violent clashes during protests on 12 June, observers fear renewed unrest.
Clock reset likely for Tshisekedi’s terms
In June, Parliament adopted a law establishing the legal framework for a referendum that could lead to constitutional reform. Shortly afterward, the Senate approved another measure, which the opposition says would effectively remove current presidential term limits.
On June 30, the DRC’s independence day, Tshisekedi announced that he would first send the bill to the country’s constitutional court for review of its compatibility with the existing constitution. However, critics question the independence of the court.
If the process is completed to Theskadi’s liking, a referendum could be held on the new constitution, potentially resetting presidential term limits.
In such a scenario, Tshisekedi’s previous terms would no longer count, allowing him to run for re-election.
Tshisekedi’s long quest for legitimacy
With the DRC serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council since the beginning of this year, Tshisekedi is increasingly trying to strengthen his political position on the international stage.
Since 1 July, the DRC has held the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for a one-month term; A day earlier, Tshisekedi presented the country’s priorities for his Security Council tenure, placing regulation of mineral resource extraction at the center of his agenda.
However, at home, his political credibility is under increasing pressure: observers point to growing public distrust, with many Congolese citizens opposing plans to introduce a new constitution, which would allow Tshisekedi to remain in power until the end of his current constitutional mandate in 2028.
Prince Apange, spokesman for the opposition platform Lamuka, firmly believes that “[t]The constitutional amendment serves the interests of only one person: Felix Tshisekedi. He wants a third term.”
“We cannot accept that millions of dollars are spent to keep one man in power,” Appenze told DW. He said that this proposal is a fundamental threat to the constitutional system of the country.
In an exclusive interview with DW, Congolese physician and human rights activist Denis Mukwege, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, also criticized Tshisekedi’s plans:
Mukwege said, “When you are facing a public health emergency that has been declared an international emergency, or when you are facing a security crisis in which your country is being invaded and partially occupied, and parallel administrative structures are being set up, there are constitutional barriers that clearly prevent amending the Constitution.”
Accusation of unconstitutional power grab
The main point of contention is the question whether referendums can legally be used to change the Constitution. Critics cite Article 5 of the current Constitution in support of their argument.
Supporters of the ruling UDPS party defend the proposed reform and referendum.
Christian Lumu, a member of the party’s youth wing, argues that the current constitution is no longer able to address the country’s challenges, and “[t]”They want to change the Constitution.”
“We know this because we are in constant contact with ordinary citizens. We promised that once we come to power, we will change this constitution – which was imposed from abroad,” Lumu told DW.
However, the opposition strongly rejects that argument, with Lamuka calling the initiative an illegitimate attempt to rewrite the Constitution.
“The UDPS wants to bring about constitutional change by unconstitutional means. It will never succeed,” says Appenze.
Protests and increasing violence
The political dispute has quickly spilled over into the streets: ever since Parliament passed the referendum law, the opposition has tried to unite and protest against the government’s plans.
The C64 coalition describes the constitutional reform as a “constitutional coup” and expects protests now scheduled for 22 July to increase pressure on the government.
Demonstrations already ended in violence on 12 June, as local media reported serious clashes between protesters, ruling party supporters and security forces.
Lamuka accused the authorities of a brutal crackdown: “It was a dark day for the Congolese people. It was a massacre. Many peaceful protesters were killed,” Apange told DW.
“They opened fire with live ammunition. Hundreds of activists were arrested, beaten and taken to jail.”
Church questions government priorities
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has also taken a clear stand on the issue, questioning the need for constitutional reform.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo painted a bleak picture of the country’s situation, citing armed conflict in the country’s east, widespread poverty, insecurity and recurring pandemics.
Against this background, he sharply criticizes the government’s political agenda: “Do we really believe that changing the constitution is the most appropriate response to the suffering of the Congolese people?”
The cardinal said, “Given the gravity of the current situation, we see neither the need nor the urgency for constitutional change. The priority for the Democratic Republic of the Congo is peace.”
A deep political and security crisis
The constitutional dispute comes at a time of continued instability in eastern DR Congo, where government forces are still battling the M23 rebel movement and the Alliance Fluve Congo (AFC); The government has so far failed to gain complete control over many areas.
Meanwhile international observers warned that the political crisis could further weaken state institutions. Many argue that if trust in the government continues to decline, armed groups may take advantage of the situation.
The opposition fears this result. One of their central arguments is that a constitutional referendum cannot be truly inclusive under the current circumstances, as large sections of the population living in conflict-affected areas would be effectively excluded from participating.
The constitutional debate may have consequences well beyond the DRC’s borders: while European governments and multilateral organizations continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining democratic standards, other international actors are driven primarily by their own strategic interests, particularly in the areas of security and critical minerals – as exemplified by the M23’s support of Rwanda.
Analysts warned that the loss of international credibility could also weaken Kinshasa’s position in the ongoing M23-related dispute with its neighbor, which has just entered its sixth year.
Wendy Bashi in Kinshasa contributed to this report
Edited by: Serton Sanderson