In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the debate on the future of the Constitution is taking a new turn.
President Felix Tshiseked has promulgated a law setting the conditions for organising the referendum, a decision which comes in a context of political tensions with the opposition.
Law No. 26/045 was promulgated on November 9, 2026 relating to the organisation of the referendum. The presidential order was read on November 11 on national television, RTNC.
Adopted by the National Assembly and the Senate, this text broadens the conditions for resorting to a referendum, both for a possible revision of the constitution and for the adoption of a new fundamental law.
This promulgation comes as the opposition accuses the head of state of wanting to modify the constitution in order to remain in power beyond 2028.
Félix Tshisekedi, in power since 2019, will then complete his second and final term, in accordance with current constitutional provisions which limit the presidency to two five-year terms.
Last June and September, demonstrations were organised in Kinshasa and in several large cities in the country at the call of the opposition, which denounced a “constitutional coup d’état”. These gatherings were marked by clashes with the police. The United Nations notably reported at least one death during the June demonstrations in Kinshasa.
In an attempt to encourage exchanges between the different political forces, Félix Tshisekedi announced, in mid-July, the organisation of a national dialogue.
An initiative rejected so far by the main opposition parties. The promulgation of this law thus comes as the end of the second presidential term approaches, scheduled for 2028, and revives questions about the institutional future of the DR Congo.
DM/Sf/fss/as/APA