The constitutional revision debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has escalated into a judicial confrontation. On June 4, 2026, leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) convened in Kinshasa, presenting an assertive assessment of their “ville morte” (dead city) operation, which had commenced the previous day. They asserted that numerous major urban centers across the nation had heeded their call, directly refuting official narratives that sought to confine the mobilization solely to the capital. This event was perceived as a critical real-world test of the opposition’s capacity to influence the institutional agenda advanced by the presidential majority.
Opposition expands its front against constitutional changes
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 brings together prominent figures who oppose the proposed reform. Among them, opposition leader Delly Sesanga spoke, commending the widespread adherence to the protest in cities beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has now positioned itself as a primary political force challenging the constitutional overhaul initiated by the presidential camp.
While the discussion surrounding constitutional revision is not new, it has gained significant intensity as members of the ruling majority have increasingly highlighted the necessity to adapt the foundational text. The opposition views this as a strategic maneuver designed to pave the way for a third term for Félix Tshisekedi, who was first 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 marks a qualitative leap
The most significant announcement from the 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 classification, “attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,” is profoundly serious. It directly invokes the gravest criminal charges associated with assaults on state institutions. By moving the discourse into the judicial arena, the C64 aims to transform a political protest into a legal case, potentially engaging other key actors such as magistrates, legal professionals, and civil society organizations.
This legal initiative carries immense symbolic weight. Few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution of proceedings directed against the sitting president. Nevertheless, the action firmly establishes a specific interpretation in the public consciousness: that of a government suspected of orchestrating an institutional power grab. For Delly Sesanga and his allies, the objective is as much about drawing a clear red line as it is about compelling the majority to clarify its intentions regarding presidential term limits and the precise scope of the proposed revision.
A tense political climate as key deadlines approach
The Democratic Republic of Congo is navigating a highly sensitive political period. The government contends with 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 a fragmented opposition that is striving to coalesce around clear and accessible rallying cries. The C64 is banking on this clarity to broaden its public appeal.
The actual impact of the “ville morte” operation remains a subject of contention. Authorities have, to date, downplayed its scale, while organizers assert widespread success beyond the capital alone. Without independent, consolidated data, any assessment is open to interpretation. Ultimately, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and secure the backing of additional political figures and provincial networks will determine its influence in the power struggle with the Tshisekedi administration.
For regional observers, the Congolese precedent fits within a broader continental trend of debates concerning term limits, ranging from recent events in Sénégal to older examples in West Africa. Each such episode shapes the political discourse of the continent and influences the governance standards expected by international partners.
