While the government views the court’s decision as a legal milestone, opposition factions condemn it as a dangerous overreach and vow to intensify their campaigns. Analysts warn this could plunge the country deeper into political turmoil.

The opposition coalition Article 64 has made it clear that the court’s ruling paves the way for constitutional changes they vehemently oppose. Their spokesperson, Prince Epenge, has urged citizens to remain vigilant.

“We will not back down. We will pool our strength and energy to ensure this law never takes effect in our country,” he declared.

“The people are outraged. They must stand firm, remain mobilized, and resolutely reject any attempt at a third term or the country’s dismemberment,” he added.

Kinshasa residents voice growing concerns

As coalition leaders gathered in the capital to strategize, residents expressed deep anxiety over the escalating political tensions. Many fear that renewed protests could disrupt daily life or escalate into violence.

“Will their protests remain peaceful?” questioned one resident, emphasizing the need to “avoid any loss of life.”

Another resident echoed these fears, stating, “The political climate in the DRC could spiral out of control following this decision.”

One resident went further, alleging, “Those sowing chaos today are the ones in power. They often deploy individuals to disrupt opposition marches.”

A final interviewee cautioned, “It is the ordinary people who will suffer the most if tensions escalate into unrest.”

Political dialogue at risk

Timo Roujean, an analyst with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, cautioned that swift presidential approval of the law could harden the political climate. He warned that if President Félix Tshisekedi signs the bill before 15 August, it could derail ongoing efforts to foster political dialogue and strengthen arguments from factions advocating confrontation.

“If he ratifies this law before mid-August, all efforts toward dialogue could collapse,” he stated, adding that “in an increasingly tense discourse where constitutional coup is already being discussed, this court ruling could fuel the narrative that violence is the only way to oppose the government.”

The court’s decision has not resolved the impasse. With the presidential camp now armed with a legal framework and an opposition determined to block any constitutional reform, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the DRC’s political future.