In a strategic move ahead of the August 15 ultimatum from the Article 64 coalition, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has returned the constitutional referendum law to Parliament for a second review. The decision follows a constitutional court ruling validating the law with specific reservations, putting both the presidency and opposition on a collision course.

The C64 coalition, joined by over sixty civil society organizations, has demanded that President Tshisekedi abandon his constitutional reform plans by the deadline and reject the referendum law outright. They are also calling for an immediate, inclusive national dialogue. However, with just hours remaining before the ultimatum expires, no timeline has been set for such discussions.

Tshisekedi’s tactical retreat amid mounting pressure

Many observers believed the referendum law had already taken effect due to the lack of presidential promulgation within fifteen days as stipulated by Article 140 of the Congolese Constitution. Yet, the president’s decision to return the text to Parliament reflects a calculated step to reopen debate following constitutional court observations.

Bob Kabamba, a political science professor at the University of Liège in Belgium, interprets this move as a tactical retreat by President Tshisekedi. While the president appears to yield to pressure, Kabamba warns that this does not signal an end to efforts to extend his political influence beyond the 2028 constitutional term limit.

“We must remember that significant pressure came not only from the opposition but also from regional actors. These combined forces, along with internal consultations, prompted Tshisekedi to backtrack by requesting a second parliamentary review. This is a retreat, but it does not mean he will abandon his ambitions to remain in power after 2028,” Kabamba explained.

C64 vows decisive action as deadline approaches

The C64 coalition has welcomed the president’s decision to return the law to Parliament but remains unyielding in its demands. With the August 15 deadline hours away, coalition leaders have hinted at launching a series of coordinated actions to escalate pressure on the government.

Franklin Tshiamala, Secretary-General of Leadership for Governance and Development (LGD) under former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, delivered a firm message: “When the clock strikes midnight on August 15, we will confirm that nothing has been done. We will announce major surgical operations through our C64 laboratory to make this regime understand that it has stolen our freedom and is now attempting to steal our national sovereignty.”

Political standoff deepens in Kinshasa

From the government’s perspective, the referendum process is framed as a legitimate political and institutional initiative. Officials dismiss the C64 ultimatum as an illegitimate attempt to dictate the president’s agenda.

Adolphe Amisi Makutano, a senior member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the ruling party, dismissed the opposition’s demands as misplaced theatrics. “This ultimatum is theirs alone—perhaps designed to satisfy their backers. But the Republic continues to function as normal,” he stated.

The standoff shows no signs of easing. The August 15 deadline may well mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s turbulent political landscape.