Opposition claims victory in DRC’s nationwide strike against constitutional changes

The political tug-of-war over constitutional amendments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated into a legal confrontation. On June 4, 2026, leaders of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) convened in Kinshasa to assess the impact of their nationwide “ghost town” protest staged the day before. They assert that major urban centers across the country complied with the call, contradicting official claims that mobilization was confined to the capital. The event was designed as a litmus test for the opposition’s ability to influence the presidential majority’s institutional agenda.

Opposition unites against constitutional revision plans

The C64, formed to defend Article 64 of the Congolese constitution—which guarantees citizens the right to thwart unconstitutional or forceful power seizures—brings together critics of the proposed reforms. Among them, opposition figure Delly Sesanga highlighted widespread participation beyond Kinshasa. The coalition is positioning itself as a key political force opposing the presidential camp’s constitutional overhaul.

The debate over constitutional changes is not new, but it has intensified as majority officials hinted at the need to revise the foundational text. The opposition interprets this as a strategy to enable Félix Tshisekedi’s potential third term, despite the current constitution limiting presidential mandates to two consecutive terms—a safeguard from the post-Mobutu transition era, frequently cited as a democratic bulwark.

Legal action against Tshisekedi signals a new phase of resistance

The most significant announcement from the conference was the imminent filing of a lawsuit targeting the president and his allies. The charge, attempted subversion of constitutional order, carries severe legal weight, invoking the most severe penalties for institutional violations. By shifting the struggle to the judicial arena, the C64 aims to convert political dissent into a legal case that could engage magistrates, bar associations, and civil society.

While few in Kinshasa expect swift results from a case against an incumbent president, the move introduces a precise narrative: one of a government suspected of preparing an institutional power grab. For Sesanga and allies, the goal is twofold—establishing a red line and compelling the majority to clarify its intentions regarding term limits and the scope of constitutional reform.

Political tensions rise amid shifting regional dynamics

The DRC is navigating a delicate political moment. The government faces mounting security challenges in the East, driven by M23 activity and diplomatic pressure tied to Rwanda. Domestically, constitutional revision has deepened divisions between Kinshasa and an opposition that, though fragmented, is regrouping around clear, resonant slogans. The C64 is banking on this clarity to expand its influence.

The effectiveness of the ghost town protest remains contested. Authorities have downplayed its reach, while organizers claim success beyond the capital. Without independent verification, assessments remain subjective. The coalition’s long-term ability to sustain pressure, rally additional political figures, and secure provincial support will determine its leverage against Tshisekedi’s camp.

Regional observers note that the Congolese case reflects a broader continental trend of debates over term limits, from recent events in Senegal to older examples across West Africa. Each episode shapes the continent’s political grammar and influences governance standards expected by international partners. The coalition has vowed to escalate mobilization while prioritizing legal avenues for resistance.