The constitutional reform debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has escalated into a legal confrontation. Leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64), convening in Kinshasa on June 4, 2026, presented an assertive assessment of their “dead city” operation, initiated the previous day. They asserted that numerous major urban centers across the nation adhered to the directive, refuting official narratives that downplayed the mobilization as being confined solely to the capital. This event served as a crucial real-world test of the opposition’s capacity to influence the institutional agenda championed by the presidential majority.

Opposition expands its front against constitutional revision

Formed to uphold Article 64 of the Congolese Fundamental Law, which grants citizens the right to resist any seizure of power by force or in violation of the Constitution, the C64 brings together several prominent figures opposed to the proposed reforms. Among them, opposition leader Delly Sesanga spoke, commending the widespread adherence to their call in cities beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has now positioned itself as a primary political vehicle for challenging the constitutional overhaul initiated by the presidential camp.

Discussions surrounding the constitutional revision are not new, but they have intensified as high-ranking members of the ruling majority have highlighted the perceived need to update the foundational text. The opposition interprets this as a maneuver designed to pave the way for a third term for Félix Tshisekedi, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected at the close of 2023. The current Congolese Constitution strictly limits presidential terms to two consecutive mandates, a symbolic safeguard established during the post-Mobutu transition and frequently invoked as a pillar of democracy.

Legal complaint against Félix Tshisekedi marks a qualitative leap

The most significant announcement from this conference was the impending filing of a legal complaint targeting the head of state and those the coalition identifies as his accomplices. The chosen charge, “attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,” is profoundly serious. It invokes the gravest criminal penalties associated with assaults on state institutions. By shifting the debate to the judicial arena, the C64 aims to transform a political protest into a legal case, potentially mobilizing additional actors such as magistrates, legal professionals, and civil society organizations.

This initiative undeniably carries significant symbolic weight. Few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution or a successful prosecution against the sitting president. Nevertheless, the action firmly establishes a specific interpretation in the public discourse: that of a government suspected of plotting an institutional power grab. For Delly Sesanga and his allies, the objective is as much about drawing a clear red line as it is about compelling the majority to clarify its intentions regarding presidential term limits and the actual scope of the envisioned revision.

Tense political climate as key deadlines approach

The DRC is navigating a sensitive political period. The government must contend with a deteriorating security situation in the East, characterized by the activities of the M23 group and diplomatic pressures related to the Rwandan dossier. Domestically, the constitutional revision introduces an additional fault line between Kinshasa and an opposition that, while fragmented, seeks to coalesce around clear and straightforward messages. The C64 is banking on this clarity to broaden its public appeal.

The actual impact of the “dead city” operation remains a point of contention. Authorities have, to date, minimized its scale, while organizers assert a success extending beyond the capital. Without consolidated independent data, any evaluation is open to interpretation. Ultimately, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and to rally other political figures, along with provincial networks, will determine its influence in the power dynamics with the Tshisekedi administration.

For regional observers, the Congolese precedent fits within a broader continental trend of debates over term limits, echoing recent events in Senegal and older West African examples. Each episode shapes the political discourse of the continent and influences the governance standards expected by international partners. The coalition intends to continue its mobilization while fully embracing the shift of its struggle to the judicial sphere.