DRC: the C64 coalition threatens to revive mobilization against the constitutional reform project.

The C64 coalition, presented as one of the main opposition groupings in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), states that it will no longer delay its mobilization. Its ultimatum to the head of state expires on August 15, by which date it expects clear commitments regarding the organization of a dialogue aimed at addressing the political and security crisis.

This position was reaffirmed in Kinshasa by Dieudonné Bolengetenge, Secretary General of Ensemble pour la République, the party of Moïse Katumbi. According to him, the dialogue should primarily preserve the current constitutional order and block the proposed amendment to the Constitution attributed to the ruling power.

“The goal hasn’t changed: it is to prevent the overturning of the constitutional order in effect in our country,” he stated. The official believes that dialogue can be a means to achieve this objective but should not be confused with the political aims pursued by the opposition.

The C64 had already announced large-scale protests before postponing them at the request of religious representatives. They are trying to maintain a channel of discussion with President Félix Tshisekedi and to facilitate the opening of an inclusive national dialogue.

Civil Disobedience Mentioned

This time, Dieudonné Bolengetenge assures that the coalition will not back down if no significant progress is made before August 15. The C64 is expected to specify the details of the protests it intends to organize.

The leader of Ensemble pour la République also mentioned the possibility of calling for civil disobedience. He urged President Tshisekedi to prioritize, in his words, “the path of truth,” warning that the situation could “go very far” if the power continues its constitutional reform project.

The opposition notably fears that the Constitution may be replaced or amended to suit the interests of those in power. They assert that the population would not support a text drafted “to measure,” without providing elements to gauge this support.

The Congolese authorities have not, based on available information, announced the official convocation of the dialogue requested by C64. The timeline and modalities for a possible consultation remain to be specified.