DRC: opposition declares ‘dead city’ day a success amidst constitutional reform dispute

The constitutional revision debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a significant turn, moving into the judicial arena. On June 4, 2026, leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) convened in Kinshasa to present an assertive assessment of their “dead city” operation, which commenced the day prior. They asserted that numerous major urban centers across the nation had adhered to their call, directly refuting official accounts that suggested the mobilization was confined solely to the capital. This initiative served as a crucial real-world test of the opposition’s ability to influence the institutional agenda championed by the presidential majority.

DRC opposition expands its front against constitutional reform efforts

Formed with the core mission of upholding Article 64 of the Congolese Fundamental 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. Opposition leader Delly Sesanga notably spoke, commending the widespread adherence to the call in cities beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has now firmly established itself as a primary political force challenging the constitutional amendments initiated by the presidential administration.

While discussions surrounding constitutional revision are not entirely new, they have gained considerable intensity as members of the ruling majority have increasingly advocated for adapting the fundamental text. The opposition views these efforts as a strategic maneuver designed to pave the way for a potential third term for President Félix Tshisekedi, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in late 2023. The current Congolese Constitution strictly limits presidential terms to two consecutive mandates, a symbolic safeguard established during the post-Mobutu transition and frequently cited as a vital democratic protection.

Legal action against Félix Tshisekedi marks a significant escalation

The most significant revelation from the conference was the imminent filing of a formal complaint targeting the head of state and those the coalition identifies as his accomplices. The chosen legal charge, “attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,” is far from trivial. It directly invokes the gravest criminal penalties associated with attacks on state institutions. By moving this debate into the judicial sphere, the C64 aims to transform a political dispute into a legal case, potentially mobilizing a broader range of stakeholders including magistrates, the legal profession, and civil society.

This legal undertaking undeniably carries profound symbolic weight. Few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution or successful prosecution against the incumbent president. Nevertheless, the initiative firmly establishes a specific narrative in the public discourse: one that casts the ruling power as suspected of orchestrating an institutional power grab. For Delly Sesanga and his allies, the objective is twofold: to draw a clear red line and to compel the majority to unequivocally state its intentions regarding presidential term limits and the actual scope of the proposed constitutional revision.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is navigating a particularly sensitive political period. The government is concurrently managing a deteriorating security situation in the eastern regions, characterized by M23 rebel activity and diplomatic pressures concerning the Rwandan issue. Domestically, the constitutional revision introduces an additional fault line between Kinshasa and an opposition that, despite its fragmentation, is striving to coalesce around clear and easily understandable directives. The C64 is banking on this clarity to broaden its public appeal and support.

The actual impact of the “dead city” operation remains a subject of contention. While authorities have thus far downplayed its scale, the organizers emphatically claim success extending far beyond the capital. Lacking consolidated independent data, any assessment is inevitably open to interpretation. Fundamentally, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and to garner support from other political figures and provincial networks will be crucial in determining its influence in the ongoing power struggle with President Tshisekedi’s administration.

Regional observers note that the current Congolese situation aligns with a broader continental trend of debates regarding presidential term limits, mirroring recent events in Sénégal and earlier instances across West Africa. Each such episode helps shape the political landscape of the continent and influences the governance standards expected by international partners. The coalition has indicated its intention to continue both its public mobilization efforts and its legal challenge.