DR Congo: Tensions mount over planned constitutional referendum

Published 8 July 2026 · politics

Tensions are rising in DR Congo over plans to introduce a new constitution. The opposition accuses President Tshisekedi of using it to seek a third

Tensions are rising in DR Congo over plans to introduce a new constitution. The opposition accuses President Tshisekedi of using it to seek a third term but has postponed planned protests following an AU mediation offer. The Congolese opposition coalition C64 has postponed nationwide protests originally scheduled for two weeks as of July 8. The decision follows a mediation initiative by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye in his capacity as the current chair of the African Union. Formed in May, the C64 coalition — named after Article 64 of the DRC constitution, which grants citizens the right to resist an unconstitutional seizure of power — brings together opposition leaders including Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, Jean-Marc Kabund and Delly Sesanga. The coalition accuses President Felix Tshisekedi of using a referendum on a new constitution to pave the way for a third presidential term, and is demanding his resignation. Following the violent clashes during protests on June 12, observers fear renewed unrest could ensue. Prospect of clock reset for Tshisekedi's terms In June, parliament had adopted legislation establishing the legal framework for a referendum that could lead to constitutional reform. Shortly afterwards, the Senate approved another measure which the opposition says would effectively remove the current presidential term limits. On the DRC's Independence Day on June 30, Tshisekedi announced that he would first refer the bill to the country's constitutional court for a review of its compatibility with the existing constitution. Critics, however, question the court's independence. If the process is completed to Thisekedi's liking, a referendum on a new constitution could be held, potentially resetting presidential term limits. Under such a scenario, Tshisekedi's previous terms would no longer count, allowing him to seek re-election. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi is seeking to strengthen his international standing Image: Eduardo Munoz/REUTERS Tshisekedi's long quest for legitimacy With the DRC serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council since the beginning of this year, Tshisekedi seems to be increasingly seeking to strengthen his political standing on the international stage.

Since July 1, the DRC has held the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for a one-month term; one day earlier, Tshisekedi presented the country's priorities for its Security Council term, placing the regulation of mineral resource extraction at the center of its agenda. At home, however, his political credibility is increasingly under pressure: Observers point to growing public distrust, with many Congolese citizens opposing the plans for an introduction of a new constitution, which would allow Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond the end of his current constitutional mandate in 2028. Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the opposition platform Lamuka, firmly believes that "[t]he constitutional amendment serves the interests of one man only: Felix Tshisekedi. He wants a third term." "We cannot accept that millions of dollars are spent simply to keep one man in power," Epenge told DW, adding that the proposal poses a fundamental threat to the country's constitutional order. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege has sharply criticized Congolese President Tshisekedi's plans to hold a constitutional referendum Image: Manasse Kashala/DW In an exclusive interview with DW, Congolese physician and human rights activist Denis Mukwege, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, also voiced criticism of Tshisekedi's plans "When you are facing a public health emergency that has been declared an international emergency, or when you are confronted with a security crisis in which your country is under attack and partially occupied, and parallel administrative structures are being established, there are constitutional constraints that explicitly prohibit amending the Constitution," Mukwege said. Allegations of unconstitutional power grab A main point of contention is the question whether a referendum can legally be used to replace the constitution. Critics cite Article 5 of the current constitution in support of their argument. Supporters of the ruling UDPS party defend the proposed reform and the referendum. Christian Lumu, a member of the party's youth wing, argues that the current constitution is no longer capable of addressing the country's challenges, and that "[t]he people want to change the constitution." "We know this because we are in constant contact with ordinary citizens.