In a significant tactical shift, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has decided to return the constitutional referendum bill to Parliament for a second review, following observations issued by the Constitutional Court. This move comes as the ultimatum set by the opposition coalition C64 looms large, with the deadline set for August 15.

The C64, along with over sixty civil society organizations, has been demanding that President Tshisekedi abandon his constitutional reform project by August 15 and reject the referendum bill. They are also calling for an inclusive national dialogue, though no date has yet been announced for such discussions.

Tshisekedi’s tactical retreat amidst mounting pressure

Contrary to expectations that the referendum organization law would automatically take effect due to the lack of presidential promulgation within fifteen days—a requirement under Article 140 of the Congolese Constitution—Tshisekedi has opted for a parliamentary review. This decision follows the Constitutional Court’s recent validation of the bill, albeit with reservations.

Professor Bob Kabamba, a political analyst at the University of Liège in Belgium, views this move as a tactical retreat by President Tshisekedi. However, he cautions that this does not signal an abandonment of the president’s ambitions to extend his time in power beyond 2028, the end of his second term.

“The intense pressure from both domestic opposition and regional actors has forced Tshisekedi to backtrack, particularly by seeking a second legislative review of the bill. While this is a retreat, it does not mean he will abandon efforts to secure his political future beyond 2028,” Kabamba explains.

C64 vows renewed action after August 15 deadline

The opposition coalition C64 has welcomed the return of the bill to Parliament but remains steadfast in its demands. With the August 15 deadline fast approaching, the coalition is preparing to intensify its actions, though specific measures have not yet been disclosed.

“At midnight on August 15, we will confirm that nothing has been done. We will announce major surgical operations through our C64 laboratory to force this regime to listen. This regime has stolen our freedom and is now attempting to steal our national sovereignty,” declares Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary General of Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD), a group associated with former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo.

Political standoff reaches new heights

From the government’s perspective, the referendum process is framed as a legitimate political and institutional initiative. The ultimatum issued by C64 is dismissed as an attempt to dictate the national agenda, with officials insisting that the Republic continues to function normally.

“The ultimatum from C64 is theirs to set. It may appeal to their backers, but the Republic operates as usual,” asserts Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the party of President Félix Tshisekedi.

The standoff between the presidency and the opposition coalition shows no signs of easing. The August 15 deadline could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s political landscape.