In the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has sent the referendum law back to Parliament for a second review, just as the ultimatum from the opposition coalition, Article 64, approaches its deadline. The move comes after the Constitutional Court ruled the law valid—with certain reservations—heightening tensions between the government and its critics.
The C64, alongside over 60 civil society groups, has demanded that President Tshisekedi abandon his constitutional reform plans by August 15 and reject the referendum law. They are also calling for an inclusive national dialogue. Yet, with hours left before the ultimatum expires, no date has been set for such discussions.
Tshisekedi’s tactical retreat under mounting pressure
Many had assumed that the referendum organization law was already in effect, given that the 15-day constitutional deadline for presidential promulgation had passed. However, President Tshisekedi chose to return the bill to Parliament instead, seeking further debate based on the Constitutional Court’s feedback.
Professor Bob Kabamba, a political analyst at the University of Liège in Belgium, describes this move as a strategic retreat by President Tshisekedi. Yet, he warns it does not signal an end to the president’s ambitions to extend his stay in power beyond 2028, the end of his second term.
C64 vows stronger actions after ultimatum expires
The Article 64 coalition has welcomed the postponement of the referendum law but remains steadfast in its demands. With the August 15 deadline looming, the C64 has hinted at launching targeted campaigns to pressure the government.
“On August 15 at midnight, we will confirm that nothing has been done. We will unveil sweeping actions through our C64 operations center to demand accountability from a regime that has stripped us of our freedoms and seeks to seize our national sovereignty,” declared Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary General of Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD), a group linked to former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo.
Government stands firm on referendum process
From the government’s perspective, the referendum remains a legitimate political and institutional process. The ultimatum from the C64 is dismissed as an illegitimate attempt to dictate the president’s agenda.
Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS)—President Tshisekedi’s party—stated, “This ultimatum belongs to them. It was likely crafted to please their backers. But the Republic continues to function normally.”
The standoff between the two sides shows no signs of easing. The August 15 deadline could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Congo’s political landscape.
