The legislative session on May 27 turned into a battleground as opposition deputies from the Ensemble pour la République bloc stormed out of proceedings. The proposed legislation, spearheaded by Deputy Paul-Gaspard Ngondankoy, aims to modernize the legal framework governing referendums in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Supporters argue it fills a critical void in the nation’s constitutional process by establishing clear rules for popular consultations outlined in the Constitution.

Steve Mbikayi, National Deputy for the Mont-Amba constituency in Kinshasa and President of the Labour Party—a member of the Union Sacrée de la Nation coalition—defended the initiative with conviction:

“The power to determine whether constitutional or legal reforms are necessary lies solely with the ruling majority. The Constitution does not grant the opposition the right to initiate or challenge such reforms. That authority belongs exclusively to parliament, the Head of State, or a petition signed by over 5,000 Congolese citizens. Any other action amounts to unnecessary posturing.”

Opposition condemns timing amid security crisis

The Ensemble pour la République faction rejects the proposal outright, citing the ongoing security crisis in the eastern regions of the country. Christian Mwando, a prominent voice in the opposition bloc, condemned the timing of the referendum debate, warning it could embolden armed groups operating in the area.

“The parliamentary group demands that the President halt these initiatives, which risk legitimizing rebellion in the eastern part of our nation. We call on the Congolese people to resist this dangerous project that threatens the very survival of our country. This process is nothing short of a calculated conspiracy against the DRC Constitution,” he declared.

Protests and counter-protests announced

Aimé Boji Sangara, President of the National Assembly, clarified that the bill’s sole purpose is to provide a legal pathway for direct citizen participation on national issues when conditions permit. Despite the opposition’s withdrawal from the debate, the report from the Political, Administrative, and Legal Commission was deemed admissible pending amendments.

The political confrontation has now spilled into the streets. The opposition has called for a nationwide ‘ville morte’ (ghost town) protest on June 3 to denounce what they view as an attempt to revise the Constitution. Simultaneously, supporters of the ruling coalition are organizing a march in Kinshasa and several provinces to rally behind the government’s agenda.