The political struggle surrounding constitutional reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) is escalating, now entering the judicial arena. On June 4, 2026, in Kinshasa, leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) provided an assertive assessment of their ‘ville morte’ (dead city) operation, which commenced the previous day. The coalition asserted that numerous major urban centers across the nation heeded their call, directly refuting official accounts that portrayed the mobilization as confined solely to the capital. This event served as a crucial real-world test of the opposition’s capacity to influence the institutional agenda championed by the presidential majority.
Opposition broadens its front against constitutional revision in RDC
Formed around the principle of defending Article 64 of the Congolese Fundamental Law—which enshrines citizens’ right to prevent any seizure of power by force or in violation of the Constitution—the C64 unites several prominent figures who oppose the proposed reform. Among them, opposition leader Delly Sesanga spoke, commending the widespread adherence to the call in cities beyond Kinshasa. The coalition has now positioned itself as a leading political vehicle for contesting the constitutional overhaul initiated by the presidential camp.
The discourse surrounding the revision is not new, but it has intensified as members of the majority have suggested the necessity of adapting 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 elected in 2018 and re-elected in late 2023. The current Congolese Constitution limits presidential terms to two consecutive mandates, a symbolic safeguard inherited from the post-Mobutu transition and frequently invoked as a democratic bulwark in Africa politics English discussions.
Legal complaint against Félix Tshisekedi marks a significant escalation
The most significant announcement from this conference was the impending filing of a formal complaint targeting the head of state and those the coalition identifies as his accomplices. The specific charge, ‘attempted overthrow of the constitutional order,’ is profoundly serious. It squarely places the debate into the most severe category of criminal offenses associated with attacks on state institutions. By shifting the discussion to the legal realm, the C64 aims to transform a political protest into a substantive legal case, potentially mobilizing other key actors such as magistrates, the bar association, and civil society.
This initiative undeniably carries significant symbolic weight. Few in Kinshasa anticipate a swift resolution or successful prosecution against the sitting president. However, the action establishes a clear public narrative: that of a government suspected of preparing an institutional power grab. For Delly Sesanga and his allies, the objective is as much about establishing a clear red line as it is about compelling the majority to clarify its intentions regarding term limits and the actual scope of the envisioned constitutional revision.
Tense political climate ahead of crucial deadlines in the RDC
The RDC finds itself in a delicate political period. The government must contend with a deteriorating security situation in the East, marked by the activities of the M23 group and diplomatic pressures related to the Rwandan dossier. Domestically, the constitutional revision introduces an additional fault line between Kinshasa and a fragmented opposition, which is striving to regroup around clear and understandable rallying cries. The C64 is banking on this clarity to broaden its public appeal, reflecting a broader trend in pan-African current affairs.
The actual impact of the ‘ville morte’ operation remains a point of contention. Authorities have downplayed its scale, while organizers claim widespread success beyond the capital. Without consolidated independent data, any assessment is open to interpretation. Crucially, the coalition’s ability to sustain pressure over time and to rally additional political figures, along with provincial support, will determine its influence in the power dynamic with the Tshisekedi camp.
The Congolese precedent is viewed in regional circles as part of a continental series of debates concerning term limits, ranging from recent events in Sénégal to older West African examples. Each episode shapes the political discourse of the continent and influences governance standards expected by international partners. The C64 intends to continue its mobilization while fully embracing the shift of its struggle to the judicial arena, a key piece of African news today.
