Kinshasa paralyzed as opposition challenges constitutional reform

Activities in Kinshasa only gradually resumed on Wednesday afternoon following a citywide shutdown declared by opposition parties under the Coalition Article 64 (C64). The protest aimed to pressure President Félix Tshisekedi into abandoning his constitutional reform plans. While opposition leaders claim overwhelming public support, the presidential camp dismisses the impact and reaffirms its commitment to moving forward.

A tense capital under heavy security

In multiple districts of the Congolese capital, residents largely stayed indoors. Between concerns over potential clashes and the heavy deployment of security forces, Kinshasa’s streets appeared unusually quiet.

“I haven’t seen any students outside. There’s no traffic. Schools are closed. We don’t want the Constitution changed. If we didn’t refuse, we’d have to go to work. The people don’t want this,” shared a resident of Kinshasa.

Another local described the situation as tightly controlled:

“It’s uncomfortable here. There are lots of soldiers and police dispersing people. No one can go out—no cars or motorcycles are moving. The situation is bad. Shops are closed.”

Opposition claims historic turnout

Following the protest, opposition leaders declared the mobilization a success, asserting that citizens massively heeded their call and vowing intensified actions to block the constitutional reform.

Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, framed the shutdown as a clear rejection of the president’s agenda.

“The people of Kinshasa responded at 99.9% to the opposition’s call. By staying home, beyond obeying the opposition’s directive, they rejected Mr. Félix Tshisekedi’s dictatorial attempt to alter the Constitution for personal gain. The message is clear: the people who stayed home have spoken,” he warned.

Presidential camp unmoved by protests

The ruling party strongly contested the opposition’s narrative. Christian Lumu Lukusa, vice-president of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) Youth League, argued that the opposition’s call failed to resonate.

“Despite attempts to incite violence, the people did not follow their orders. I assure you, Kinshasa is fully operational,” he stated.

He also emphasized the government’s resolve to proceed with the reform:

“The constitutional reform will move forward because it serves a national necessity and aligns with our institutions’ modernization,” he asserted.

Referendum looms amid deepening political divide

According to Lumu Lukusa, the proposed reform will require a referendum—a move that follows the National Assembly’s adoption of the referendum bill on May 27. The opposition, however, continues to denounce the initiative as unconstitutional, setting the stage for further political clashes in the coming weeks.