Activity in Kinshasa slowly resumed Wednesday afternoon following a citywide shutdown called by opposition parties under the Article 64 Coalition (C64). The protest aimed to pressure President Félix Tshisekedi to abandon his constitutional reform plans.

While opposition leaders claim overwhelming public support, presidential aides dismiss the impact and vow to push forward with their agenda.

Kinshasa paralyzed under heavy security presence

In multiple neighborhoods across the capital, residents largely stayed indoors. Between concerns over potential violence and the heavy deployment of security forces, the usually bustling streets of Kinshasa fell eerily silent.

“I don’t see any students out today. There’s no traffic at all. Schools are closed. We don’t want the Constitution changed. If we didn’t resist, we’d have to go to work. The people don’t want this,” shared a local resident.

Another resident described the tense atmosphere:

“It’s difficult here. There are soldiers and police everywhere, dispersing people. No one can leave their homes—no cars or motorbikes on the roads. The situation is tense. Shops are closed.”

Opposition claims historic turnout

Following the protest day, opposition leaders declared the mobilization a resounding success. They insist the public overwhelmingly heeded their call and promise escalated actions to block the constitutional amendment.

Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, framed the turnout as a clear rejection of the president’s agenda.

“The people of Kinshasa responded at a rate of 99.9% to the opposition’s call. By staying home—both in obedience to the opposition and as a rejection of Félix Tshisekedi’s authoritarian push to alter the Constitution for personal gain—this was a resounding message to the president. He must acknowledge the people’s disapproval.”

Presidential camp unmoved by protests

The ruling camp flatly rejects this interpretation. Officials from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) argue the opposition’s campaign failed to achieve its goals and insist daily life continued normally in the capital.

Christian Lumu Lukusa, Vice President of the UDPS Youth League, dismissed claims of mass compliance with the opposition’s directives.

“Despite attempts by some opposition figures to incite violence, the public did not follow their orders. I assure you, Kinshasa is fully operational,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the constitutional reform, framing it as a national necessity.

“The constitutional amendment will proceed because it meets a national need and aligns with our goal of modernizing our institutions,” he emphasized.

Referendum looms as next flashpoint

According to Lukusa, the proposed reforms would require a referendum. This comes after the National Assembly adopted the referendum bill on May 27. However, the opposition continues to denounce the initiative, arguing it violates the current Constitution. The deepening divide between the government and opposition signals more political confrontations ahead.