DRC: Opposition Defies Tshisekedi, Confirms July 22 March Amid Constitutional Row

The Democratic Republic of Congo faces a deepening political crisis, with a proposed constitutional revision at its heart. Congo Nouveau reports that the opposition coalition, known as C64, has categorically rejected any reform plans. Jean-Marc Kabund, a prominent figure in the C64, stated on July 9 in Kinshasa that the opposition will not compromise the current constitutional order. The coalition insists on proceeding with its planned march toward the Presidential Palace on July 22 to demand its restoration.

However, not all media outlets share the opposition's perspective. Infos27 criticizes the opposition's strategy, pointing out contradictions between their words and actions. The publication's editorial board highlights the C64 leaders' "political incoherence," suggesting their radical stance risks blocking national consensus, even as they refuse dialogue based on the Bujumbura consultations.

Meanwhile, EcoNews reports that Kinshasa is actively seeking mediators in cities like Luanda, Lomé, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville to resolve the crisis, particularly concerning the eastern region. The newspaper emphasizes the failure of the Burundian mediation led by Évariste Ndayishimiye, which reportedly faltered due to the C64's "intransigence."

Further analysis from Omer Nsongo die Lema suggests that President Félix Tshisekedi himself is creating conditions for national dialogue by pushing for a constitutional referendum amidst security tensions. Actualité.cd and 7sur7.cd focus on the C64's firm stance: the coalition refuses any discussion with the government until the president publicly abandons the constitutional change project. They warn that popular protest actions will continue nationwide if the presidency offers no concessions.

Le Potentiel analyzes the direct confrontation between the ruling Union Sacrée de la Nation and the opposition coalition, ultimately placing the Congolese citizen as the final arbiter of this crisis.