The Democratic Republic of Congo is moving towards facilitating the revision of its Constitution. On Tuesday, the DRC Constitutional Court declared the referendum law, which sets the conditions for organizing a referendum, to be in compliance with the Constitution. It specifically validated provisions authorizing a constitutional revision through a constituent assembly followed by a referendum in the event of a “major dysfunction” of institutions. However, the Court attached reservations to its decision regarding certain articles of the text.
The Court “declares the law setting the conditions for a referendum in the DRC to be in compliance with the Constitution,” Dieudonné Kamuleta Badibanga, President of the Constitutional Court, announced on national television on Tuesday. This referendum law was adopted in mid-June by Parliament, where the presidential majority holds a significant advantage.
Among the validated provisions is one that allows the President of the Republic to initiate a constitutional revision via a constituent assembly, followed by a referendum, when a “major dysfunction” of institutions is observed. Conversely, the Court issued reservations on several other articles, notably the one that would authorize the Head of State to submit any question he deems “fundamental” to a referendum.
The text must be promulgated by President Félix Tshisekedi to enter into force. This reform comes as the debate over a potential amendment to the Constitution sparks political tensions. The Congolese Constitution stipulates that the number and duration of presidential terms cannot be subject to any revision. In early May, Félix Tshisekedi, in power since 2019 and whose second term ends in 2028, stated he would not “seek a third term,” while adding that he would accept it if “the people” wished for it.
The opposition, which has rallied in recent months against this reform, believes the project paves the way for challenging the constitutional provisions governing presidential terms. A demonstration planned for July 22 against the project was ultimately postponed following the authorities’ announcement of an upcoming national dialogue, the details of which have not yet been specified. Political tensions have already resulted in violence. On June 12, an opposition gathering in Kinshasa was dispersed. Clashes between pro-government activists, opponents, and security forces left several injured, while the United Nations reported that at least one protester had been killed.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-29 19:08:41 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/rd-congo-la-loi-autorisant-une-revision-de-la-loi-fondamentale-via-une-assemblee-constituante-declaree-conforme-a-la-constitution/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rd-congo-la-loi-autorisant-une-revision-de-la-loi-fondamentale-via-une-assemblee-constituante-declaree-conforme-a-la-constitution