The Constitutional Court’s endorsement of the referendum framework has reignited fierce debates over potential constitutional amendments, with opposition leaders vowing to escalate their resistance. While the government views this as a legal milestone, critics warn of a dangerous slide toward authoritarian overreach.
Members of the opposition coalition Article 64 have condemned the ruling, arguing it paves the way for constitutional changes they strongly oppose. Prince Epenge, a prominent spokesperson for the group, has urged citizens to maintain pressure on authorities, declaring, “We will not back down. We will mobilize every ounce of our strength to ensure this law never takes effect in our nation.”
Epenge emphasized the public’s growing frustration, urging Congolese people to “stand firm, remain united, and reject any attempts at a third term or efforts to divide our country.”
Residents in Kinshasa fear escalation
As coalition leaders convened to coordinate their next moves, many residents in the capital expressed deep concern over the potential for renewed unrest. Questions linger about whether future protests will remain peaceful or spiral into violence.
One resident questioned, “Will their protests remain orderly? We must avoid any loss of life.” Another voiced apprehension that “the political climate here could further deteriorate following this decision.”
A third resident went further, asserting that “those currently sowing chaos are the ones in power—they routinely deploy forces to disrupt opposition marches.”
One citizen summed up the shared anxiety, saying the greatest victims would likely be “the ordinary people caught in the crossfire when demonstrations turn violent.”
Legal move risks derailing political dialogue
Timo Roujean, an analyst with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, warns that a swift presidential endorsement of the law could harden political divisions. He cautions that if President Félix Tshisekedi signs the legislation before August 15, it may sabotage ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and empower factions advocating confrontation.
Roujean explained, “If the law is enacted before mid-August, all hopes for constructive dialogue could vanish.” He highlighted the rising tensions, noting that some now describe the situation as a “constitutional coup,” with critics arguing that armed resistance may become the only viable opposition.
The Court’s decision has done little to resolve the standoff. With the presidential camp now equipped with a legal framework and the opposition determined to block any constitutional revisions, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s political future.
