The intensifying debate surrounding constitutional amendments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now shifted into the judicial arena. Leaders of the Article 64 Coalition (C64), gathering in Kinshasa on June 4, 2026, presented an assertive assessment of their ‘ville morte’ (dead city) operation, initiated the previous day. They maintained that numerous major urban centers across the nation observed the call to action, contradicting official narratives that sought to confine the mobilization solely to the capital. This initiative 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 Basic Law, which guarantees citizens the right to resist any seizure of power by force or in violation of the Constitution, the C64 unites prominent figures who oppose the proposed reform. Among them, opposition leader Delly Sesanga lauded the adherence to their appeal in cities beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has now firmly established itself as a primary political force challenging the constitutional overhaul advanced by the presidential camp.
While discussions about constitutional revision are not new, they have gained significant momentum as figures within the ruling majority have articulated the necessity of updating the fundamental text. The opposition views this as a strategic maneuver designed to pave the way for a third presidential term for Félix Tshisekedi, who was elected in 2018 and re-elected in late 2023. The current Congolese Constitution strictly limits presidential mandates to two consecutive terms, a symbolic safeguard established during the post-Mobutu transition and frequently invoked as a democratic bulwark.
Filing a complaint against Félix Tshisekedi: a qualitative leap
The most significant announcement from this conference was the impending submission of a formal complaint targeting the head of state and those the coalition identifies as his accomplices. The chosen legal charge, ‘attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,’ is far from trivial. It directly invokes the most severe criminal penalties associated with attacks on state institutions. By elevating the discussion to the judicial sphere, the C64 aims to transform a political protest into a legal case, potentially mobilizing other stakeholders such as magistrates, the bar association, or civil society.
Undoubtedly, this move carries profound symbolic weight. Few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution of proceedings brought against a sitting president. Nevertheless, the initiative firmly establishes a specific interpretation in the public discourse: that of a government suspected of preparing an institutional power grab. For Delly Sesanga and his allies, the objective is as much about setting a clear red line as it is about compelling the majority to clarify its intentions regarding term limits and the true scope of the proposed revision.
Tense political climate ahead of key deadlines
The DRC is navigating a delicate political period. The government faces a deteriorating security situation in the East, marked by the activities of the M23 group and diplomatic pressures related to the Rwandan issue. Domestically, the constitutional revision introduces an additional fault line between Kinshasa and an opposition that, while fragmented, seeks to coalesce around clear and simple rallying cries. The C64 is banking on this clarity to broaden its appeal and influence.
The actual impact of the ‘ville morte’ operation remains a point of contention. Authorities have downplayed its scale, while organizers assert its success extended beyond the capital. Without consolidated independent data, any assessment remains open to interpretation. Practically, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and attract additional political figures, along with provincial relays, will determine its leverage in the power dynamic with the Tshisekedi camp.
For regional observers, the Congolese precedent aligns with a series of continental debates concerning term limits, ranging from recent events in Sénégal to older examples in West Africa. Each episode shapes the political discourse of the continent and influences the governance standards expected by international partners. The coalition intends to maintain its mobilization while actively pursuing the legal dimension of its struggle.
