Tensions are escalating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over plans to introduce a new constitution. The opposition accuses President Felix Tshisekedi of using the process to pave the way for a third presidential term, but has postponed planned protests following a mediation offer from the African Union.
The opposition coalition C64 postponed nationwide protests originally scheduled for July 8 after Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, in his capacity as chair of the African Union, offered to mediate. Formed in May, the C64 coalition — named after Article 64 of the DRC constitution, which grants citizens the right to resist an unconstitutional seizure of power — brings together opposition leaders including Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, Jean-Marc Kabund and Delly Sesanga.
The coalition accuses Tshisekedi of using a referendum on a new constitution to seek a third term and is demanding his resignation. Following violent clashes during protests on June 12, observers fear renewed unrest. In June, parliament adopted legislation establishing a legal framework for a referendum that could lead to constitutional reform. Shortly after, the Senate approved another measure which the opposition says would effectively remove current presidential term limits.
On Independence Day, June 30, Tshisekedi announced that he would first refer the bill to the constitutional court for review. Critics, however, question the court's independence. If the process is completed to Tshisekedi's liking, a referendum on a new constitution could be held, potentially resetting presidential term limits and allowing him to seek re-election beyond 2028.
Tshisekedi appears to be increasingly seeking to strengthen his political standing internationally. Since July 1, the DRC has held the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council. However, his political credibility at home is under pressure: observers point to growing public distrust, with many Congolese opposing plans that would allow Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond his current constitutional mandate ending in 2028.
Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the opposition platform Lamuka, told DW: 'The constitutional amendment serves the interests of one man only: Felix Tshisekedi. He wants a third term. We cannot accept that millions of dollars are spent simply to keep one man in power.' Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege also criticized the plans, citing constitutional constraints that prohibit amending the constitution during a public health emergency or security crisis.
Supporters of the ruling UDPS party defend the reform. Christian Lumu, a member of the party's youth wing, argued that the current constitution is no longer capable of addressing the country's challenges and that 'the people want to change the constitution.' The opposition firmly rejects this, describing the initiative as an illegitimate attempt to rewrite the constitution.
The political dispute has increasingly spilled onto the streets: protests on June 12 ended in violence, with local media reporting serious clashes between protesters, ruling party supporters and security forces. Lamuka accused authorities of a brutal crackdown, claiming that 'several peaceful protesters were killed' and 'hundreds of activists were arrested.'
The Catholic Church has also taken a clear position. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo questioned the necessity of constitutional reform, stating: 'Do we really believe that changing the constitution is the most appropriate response to the suffering of the Congolese people? Given the seriousness of the current situation, we see neither the need nor the urgency for constitutional change. The priority for the DRC is peace.'
The constitutional dispute comes amid continued instability in eastern DRC, where government forces are still battling the M23 rebel movement. International observers warn that the political crisis could further weaken state institutions, allowing armed groups to exploit the situation. The opposition argues that a constitutional referendum could not be genuinely inclusive under current conditions, as large parts of the population in conflict-affected areas would be excluded. The debate also carries regional implications, with European governments emphasizing democratic standards while other international actors appear driven by strategic interests in security and critical minerals.
Source: www.dw.com