DR Congo opposition postpones protest, urges national dialogue by Aug 15

The opposition coalition C64 in the Democratic Republic of Congo called off a planned protest on 22 July 2026 against a constitutional amendment that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi a third term. The cancellation followed a request from religious leaders, who were tasked with organising a national dialogue, to suspend street actions. C64 set an ultimatum that the inclusive dialogue must be officially convened by 15 August 2026; otherwise the coalition will resume peaceful civil actions.

The decision revealed differing views within the opposition, with some leaders questioning the coalition’s unity. The postponement was also accompanied by a warning that any government move to promulgate the recently passed referendum law would trigger renewed protests. Separately, a widely shared image claiming that opposition figure Martin Fayulu met former president Joseph Kabila was identified as a fabricated montage, underscoring the heightened rhetoric surrounding the constitutional debate.

The postponement and the dialogue demand keep the political deadlock alive as the country approaches the end of Tshisekedi’s second term in 2028.