The Constitutional Court’s validation of the referendum law has reignited fierce debate over potential constitutional changes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While authorities view this as a legal milestone, opposition groups see it as a dangerous precedent that could destabilize the nation.

The opposition coalition Article 64 has refused to back down after the court’s decision, warning that the law paves the way for constitutional amendments they strongly oppose. Prince Epenge, a spokesperson for the coalition, issued a rallying cry to the public, declaring, “We will not back down. We will unite our strength and energy to ensure this law never takes effect in our country.”

Epenge emphasized the public’s anger, urging citizens to “stand firm, stay mobilized, and firmly reject a third term and any attempt at balkanization.”

Kinshasa residents voice growing concerns

As Article 64 leaders gathered Wednesday evening to strategize their next moves, residents of Kinshasa expressed deep unease about the escalating political tensions. Many fear that renewed protests could disrupt daily life and spiral into violence.

One resident questioned, “Will their demands be pursued peacefully?” stressing the need to “avoid any loss of life.”

Another voiced concerns that “the political climate in the DRC could deteriorate further following this decision.”

A third resident accused the government of “sowing discord by deploying individuals to disrupt opposition marches.”

The final resident interviewed expressed worry that “it is the population who will suffer the most when protests erupt.”

Dialogue at risk of collapse

Timo Roujean, an analyst at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, warns that swift presidential approval of the law could harden political divisions. He cautioned that if President Félix Tshisekedi signs the text before August 15, it would undermine ongoing dialogue efforts and embolden factions advocating confrontation over negotiation.

“If the law is enacted before mid-August, the dialogue initiative could collapse entirely,” Roujean stated, adding that “in an increasingly tense environment where talk of a constitutional coup already circulates, this court decision risks fueling the narrative that armed resistance is the only way to oppose the government.”

The Constitutional Court’s ruling has not resolved the standoff. With the presidential camp now armed with a legal framework and an opposition determined to block constitutional reform, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of the DRC’s political crisis.