Constitutional reform debate heats up in the drc

The debate over constitutional change in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to stir public discourse. On May 27, the National Assembly adopted a bill setting the terms for a referendum. Since then, tensions have escalated between the ruling majority, which argues for a necessary institutional overhaul, and the opposition, which claims the move is a ploy to keep President Félix Tshisekedi in power.

A divided youth faces a critical issue

Beyond political speeches, one central question remains: what does the Congolese youth, which makes up the majority of the population, think? Is this a historic opportunity to rebuild the nation, or a distraction from pressing social and security crises? In Kinshasa, many young people express mixed views. Some see the reform project as a chance to rethink the country’s institutional foundations. Others, however, question the timing and priorities of the government amid persistent economic and security challenges.

Katumbi raises the stakes: ‘a red line’

“The Constitution is not a shirt you change at will” — that is how opposition figure Moïse Katumbi reacted to the constitutional reform proposal. For him, the government is crossing a red line.

Protests, national dialogue, governance, and the country’s political future: in an exclusive interview, Moïse Katumbi answered bluntly and directly challenged President Félix Tshisekedi on his intentions and the consequences of such a project for Congolese democracy.

C64 coalition announces legal action

On June 9 in Kinshasa, the C64 coalition, which brings together several opposition parties — including Moïse Katumbi’s — plans to file a complaint against Félix Tshisekedi. It accuses the head of state of attempting to seize power by force. This initiative marks a new step in the escalation of political tensions, as the climate remains particularly charged.

Asked about this move, legal expert Jonas Ngalamulume downplays its impact. According to him, it is primarily a symbolic act. While he acknowledges that the complaint is part of the opposition’s political strategy, he stresses that its concrete legal effects may be limited. Nevertheless, it helps fuel public debate and increases pressure on institutions.

As positions harden on both sides, the constitutional reform question now goes beyond the legal framework to become a major political issue. Between reform ambitions and accusations of authoritarian drift, the DRC’s institutional future remains contingent on upcoming decisions and the population’s reactions.