Congo politics: tshisekedi backtracks as opposition coalition stands firm
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has taken a tactical step back by referring a referendum law to Parliament for a second reading. This move comes just one day before the deadline set by the opposition coalition Article 64 expires. The coalition, alongside dozens of civil society groups, had demanded the president abandon his constitutional reform plans and withdraw the referendum law by August 15, while also calling for an inclusive national dialogue.
Pressure mounts as ultimatum looms
The C64 coalition and allied organizations are adamant that unless President Tshisekedi meets their demands by midnight on August 15, they will escalate their actions. Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary-General of Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD) under former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, warned that the coalition would unveil “surgical operations” to push for change. “By midnight on August 15, we will see that nothing has been done. We will announce major operations to make this regime understand that it has stolen our freedom and is on the verge of robbing us of our national sovereignty,” he declared.
A strategic retreat amid mounting resistance
President Tshisekedi’s decision to send the referendum law back to Parliament for further review reflects growing pressure from both domestic and regional actors. While the Constitutional Court had already validated the law with reservations, the president’s move signals a temporary retreat. Political analyst Bob Kabamba, a professor at the University of Liège, noted that this is a clear step back for Tshisekedi, though it does not necessarily indicate an end to his efforts to extend his time in power beyond 2028. “There have been immense pressures from the opposition and regional countries, as well as consultations that pushed Tshisekedi to reverse course. This is a setback, but it won’t stop him from exploring other avenues to stay in power past 2028,” Kabamba explained.
Government dismisses opposition’s demands
Despite the coalition’s demands, the government remains steadfast in its position. Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the party of President Tshisekedi, dismissed the ultimatum as irrelevant. “This ultimatum is theirs. It was likely meant to please their backers. But the Republic is functioning normally,” he stated. The government continues to defend the referendum process as a legitimate political and institutional endeavor, rejecting the opposition’s attempts to dictate its agenda.
What’s next for Congo’s political landscape?
With the C64 coalition vowing further action and the government refusing to yield, the political standoff in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is far from over. The coming days will reveal whether this latest development will lead to a breakthrough or intensify the confrontation.
