The opposition coalition Article 64 has vowed to intensify protests following the court’s decision, which they argue paves the way for unconstitutional reforms. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Prince Epenge delivered a defiant message to supporters:

“We won’t back down. We will mobilize all our strength and energy to ensure this law never becomes operational in our country.”

He added, “The people are angry. They must remain united, resolute, and determined to reject any attempt at a third term and the fragmentation of our nation.”

Kinshasa residents voice growing anxiety

As leaders of Article 64 convened to strategize their next moves, residents in Kinshasa expressed deep concerns about the escalating political tensions. Many fear that fresh demonstrations could disrupt daily life and escalate into violence.

One resident questioned, “Will their protests remain peaceful? We must avoid any loss of life.”

Another admitted, “The political climate here in the DRC feels increasingly volatile since this decision. We’re all worried about what might happen next.”

A third resident accused the ruling power of “instigating unrest by deploying forces to disrupt opposition marches.”

One more cautioned, “The real victims will be ordinary citizens when protests inevitably take place.”

Political dialogue hangs in the balance

Timo Roujean, an analyst with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, warned that swift enactment of the law could harden the political climate. He cautioned President Félix Tshisekedi against signing the text before 15 August, stressing that such a move would undermine ongoing dialogue efforts and empower factions advocating for armed resistance.

“If the president signs this law before mid-August, the dialogue initiative will collapse,” he stated. He further cautioned that “in an already tense environment where talk of a constitutional coup persists, this court decision could embolden those who believe violence is the only way to oppose the government.”

The court’s ruling has done little to resolve the impasse. With the presidential camp armed with a legal framework and the opposition steadfast in blocking constitutional reforms, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of the political crisis gripping the Democratic Republic of the Congo.