Congo referendum bill sparks heated debate in Kinshasa parliament

The examination of the proposed law on referendum procedures has sparked intense divisions between the majority and opposition in Kinshasa’s National Assembly. The legislative session on May 27 became a battleground, particularly after deputies from the opposition bloc Ensemble pour la République walked out in protest.

The draft legislation, spearheaded by deputy Paul-Gaspard Ngondankoy, aims to modernize the legal framework governing referendums in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Supporters argue it will replace outdated provisions from the 2005 political transition and clarify constitutional consultation processes. Steve Mbikayi, a National Assembly member representing Mont-Amba in Kinshasa and president of the Labour Party (allied with the presidential coalition), defended the reform as a legitimate parliamentary prerogative.

“The power to determine whether constitutional or legal reforms are necessary rests solely with the ruling majority. The constitution does not grant the opposition the right to initiate or challenge such reforms—only parliament, the Head of State, or a petition signed by more than 5,000 Congolese citizens. Anything else is mere political posturing,” stated Mbikayi.

opposition condemns timing amid ongoing insecurity

Opposition lawmakers, however, argue the timing is deeply inappropriate given the persistent armed group control in eastern provinces. Christian Mwando, of the Ensemble pour la République parliamentary group, warned that proceeding with the referendum law could legitimize rebel influence in the region and endanger national stability.

“We urge the President to halt these initiatives that risk endorsing rebellion in the East. The Congolese people must reject this perilous project, which the parliamentary group views as a plot against our constitutional order,” Mwando asserted.

political tensions escalate ahead of planned protests

Aimé Boji Sangara, President of the National Assembly, emphasized that the bill’s sole purpose is to establish a legal mechanism for direct citizen participation in national decisions when conditions permit. Despite the opposition’s boycott, the Political, Administrative, and Legal Committee declared the report admissible with amendments.

The parliamentary clash has now spilled into the streets. Opposition factions have called for a “ville morte” (ghost town) strike on June 3 to protest what they describe as a constitutional revision scheme. Meanwhile, pro-government supporters are organizing a counter-march the same day in Kinshasa and select provinces.