Congo opposition keeps up pressure against constitutional changes

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the opposition coalition C64 is doubling down on its resistance against the presidential camp’s push to revise the Constitution. Leaders in Kinshasa have reiterated a firm ultimatum to President Félix Tshisekedi, demanding the immediate abandonment of any plans to amend the foundational law. The political standoff intensifies as the country grapples with already heightened security tensions in the eastern provinces.

The united front of Congo’s opposition against constitutional amendments

The C64 platform, uniting key opposition figures, has positioned itself squarely against Félix Tshisekedi’s proposed constitutional changes. Its members argue that tampering with the Constitution could pave the way for institutional reforms tailored to benefit the current administration. Their stance to the head of state remains unwavering: abandon the project publicly or prepare for a widespread mobilisation.

For the coalition, the 2006 Constitution—ratified by referendum after the post-conflict transition—is a non-negotiable democratic achievement. Its leaders are particularly concerned about potential revisions to clauses limiting presidential terms and mandates. This perspective aligns with broader concerns raised by civil society groups and religious institutions over recent months regarding any rewriting of the constitutional framework.

President Tshisekedi’s political strategy in Kinshasa

Re-elected in December 2023 for a second term, Félix Tshisekedi suggested in late 2024 that a new Constitution would better suit the needs of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country of over 100 million people. The presidential argument highlights the perceived inadequacies of the current text in addressing the demands of governance and development. Critics, however, view this as a pretext to bypass term limits and prolong the ruling coalition’s grip on power.

The head of state announced the creation of a commission to study the matter, a move opponents interpret as the first step in a predetermined process. To the opposition, this is no mere technical debate but a pivotal political moment. The situation echoes past experiences across the continent, where constitutional revisions touted as modernising efforts have ultimately reshaped electoral timelines to suit incumbents.

Mounting social and security challenges in the DRC

The constitutional debate unfolds against a backdrop of severe instability. In the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, a large-scale offensive by the M23 armed group—allegedly backed by foreign forces—has destabilised the region since the start of the year. The fall of Goma and Bukavu in the first quarter has weakened state authority and fuelled domestic unrest. The opposition insists that the government’s priority should be restoring territorial sovereignty rather than revising the constitutional framework.

Economically, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a critical supplier of cobalt and copper, essential for global energy transitions. Investors are closely monitoring political developments in Kinshasa, aware that prolonged institutional crises could disrupt major mining contracts. Regional partners, including Angola and South Africa, are also closely watching the unfolding power struggle.

The next move remains uncertain: will the C64 ultimatum lead to coordinated street protests or escalate through political channels? Past opposition-led calls for demonstrations have yielded uneven turnout, often met with heavy police presence. The coalition now seeks to broaden its alliance with civil society and religious groups to influence the presidential agenda. The opposition has vowed to maintain pressure until the head of state publicly renounces the revision plans.