DRC constitutional reform sparks divide between ruling party and civil society

Political tensions are rising in the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding proposed constitutional reforms and a potential referendum. Augustin Kabuya, acting president of the ruling UDPS party, has called for the reform to ‘break the wall’ between President Félix Tshisekedi and his political party, arguing that current constitutional provisions create an unnecessary distance between the head of state and his base.

Kabuya expressed support for the recent Constitutional Court decision validating the referendum law, viewing it as a victory for the party’s political offensive. He has urged party militants to mobilize in support of the referendum process.

In contrast, approximately 64 civil society organizations have issued a memorandum calling on President Tshisekedi to refuse the promulgation of the referendum law. These groups, including LUCHA-RDC and Filimbi, argue that the nation’s immediate priorities—such as restoring peace, addressing humanitarian crises, and protecting civilians—do not require constitutional changes. They expressed concerns that the reform could be used to extend presidential terms, potentially destabilizing the country, and instead advocated for an inclusive national dialogue to address urgent domestic issues.