The constitutional amendment debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a significant judicial turn. On June 4, 2026, in Kinshasa, leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) presented an assertive assessment of their “dead city” operation, initiated the day prior. They declared that numerous major urban centers across the country had heeded their call, directly refuting official accounts that suggested the mobilization was 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.
An expanding opposition front against constitutional changes
Founded on the principle of defending Article 64 of the Congolese Fundamental Law, which upholds citizens’ right to thwart any seizure of power by force or in violation of the Constitution, the C64 unites several prominent figures opposed to the proposed reforms. Among them, opposition leader Delly Sesanga spoke, commending the widespread adherence to the protest beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has now solidified its position as a primary political force challenging the constitutional overhaul initiated by the presidential camp.
While discussions about constitutional revision are not new, they have intensified recently as senior members of the majority party began advocating for the necessity of adapting the foundational text. The opposition views this as a strategic maneuver designed to pave the way for a third term for Félix Tshisekedi, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in late 2023. The existing Congolese Constitution explicitly limits presidential terms to two consecutive mandates, a symbolic safeguard inherited from the post-Mobutu transition era and frequently cited as a crucial democratic check.
The lawsuit against Félix Tshisekedi: a qualitative leap
The most impactful announcement from this conference was the imminent filing of a lawsuit targeting the head of state and those the coalition identifies as his accomplices. The chosen charge, “attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,” is highly significant. It precisely invokes the gravest criminal penalties associated with undermining state institutions. By moving the debate into the legal arena, the C64 aims to transform a political dispute into a formal legal case, potentially mobilizing other key actors such as magistrates, the bar association, and civil society.
This initiative undoubtedly carries profound symbolic weight. Few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution or success for proceedings directly against the sitting president. Nevertheless, the action firmly establishes a specific narrative in the public sphere: that of a government suspected of preparing an unconstitutional 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 true intentions regarding presidential term limits and the actual scope of the envisaged revision.
A tense political climate as critical deadlines approach
The Democratic Republic of Congo is navigating a sensitive political period. The government must contend with a deteriorating security situation in the East, marked 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 a fragmented opposition that is striving to regroup around clear and easily understandable directives. 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, thus far, downplayed its scale, while the organizers assert a success extending far beyond the capital. Without consolidated independent data, any assessment remains open to interpretation. Crucially, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and to rally additional political figures, along with provincial networks, will ultimately determine its influence in the power dynamic with the Tshisekedi administration.
For regional observers, the Congolese situation aligns with a broader continental trend of debates concerning term limits, ranging from recent events in Sénégal to older examples across West Africa. Each such episode shapes the political discourse of the continent and influences the governance standards expected by international partners. The coalition intends to continue its mobilization efforts while simultaneously pursuing the legal battle.
