CD Constitutional Court Declares RDC Referendum Law Constitutional

• The Constitutional Court in the Democratic Republic of Congo declared the referendum law constitutional on July 28, 2026.
• The law had been subject to review by the court at the request of President Félix Tshisekedi before its promulgation.
• Publication of the law in the official gazette may trigger new obligations or requirements for organizations operating within the DRC.

The court's favorable ruling provides a crucial green light for the law's implementation, which will now proceed with publication in the official gazette.

The Congolese government's referendum law has been declared constitutional by the Constitutional Court. The court made its ruling on July 28, 2026, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty surrounding the law. The law will be published in the official gazette with annexed reservations made by the Constitutional Court regarding several articles. This development follows the law's passage through Parliament and its submission to President Félix Tshisekedi for promulgation.

Prior to its promulgation, the referendum law was subject to review by the Constitutional Court at the request of the president. This move reflects a key aspect of Congolese constitutional procedure, where the head of state can refer legislation to the court for assessment of its constitutionality. The court's favorable ruling provides a crucial green light for the law's implementation, which will now proceed with publication in the official gazette.

The declaration of the referendum law as constitutional has significant implications for organizations operating within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The publication of the law in the official gazette may trigger new obligations or requirements, underscoring the importance of compliance officers and lawyers closely monitoring this development. As the Congolese government moves forward with its plans for a national referendum, stakeholders will need to be aware of any changes brought about by the newly ratified legislation.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the publication of the referendum law in the official gazette, which may trigger new obligations or requirements for organizations operating in the DRC.

Source: Original reporting via La loi sur le referendum en RDC déclarée conforme à la constitution