Tshisekedi promulgates referendum law, paving way for new constitution
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Potentiel, Actualité.cd, Beto, Kivu Morning Post and Africanews
President Félix Tshisekedi promulgated on 9 November 2026 Law No. 26/045 on the organisation of a referendum in DR Congo, which notably broadens the possibility of amending the Constitution or adopting a new one. The text comes as the opposition fears a reform that would allow Tshisekedi to seek a third term in 2028, according to Africanews.
The promulgation comes as the new framework faces criticism from the opposition and civil society. Jean-Claude Katende, national president of ASADHO and a member of the Council for the Defence of the Constitution, described the decision as a “great disappointment” on his X account and said it could lead part of the population to remain silent in a context of war. He criticised the political priorities of those in power in the face of the armed conflict in the east of the country.
Bienvenu Matumo, a member of the Sauvons le Congo party led by former president Joseph Kabila, for his part accused Félix Tshisekedi and the presidential majority of wanting to lead the country towards “balkanisation”. He called on the opposition, civil society and citizens’ movements to organise against any project to change the Constitution.
