Félix Tshisekedi's Congo Referendum Law: A Power Play to Control Politics

• President Félix Tshisekedi has introduced a new referendum law granting him significant powers to shape the country's political agenda.
• The proposed law, adopted by the National Assembly and Senate, was sent back to Parliament for further deliberation on August 10, 2026, following reservations from the Constitutional Court.
• Christian Moleka argues that the law is part of a broader strategy by Tshisekedi to maintain control over Congolese politics.
• The development has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers advising clients in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Moleka argues that the new law effectively gives the president a free hand to manipulate the electoral process and consolidate his power.

In a move that has sparked debate among Congolese analysts, President Félix Tshisekedi has introduced a new referendum law. The proposed law, which was adopted by the National Assembly and the Senate but has been sent back to Parliament for further deliberation, grants the president significant powers to shape the country's political agenda. According to Christian Moleka, a prominent analyst and commentator on Congolese politics, this development is part of a broader strategy by Tshisekedi to maintain control over the country's politics.

Moleka argues that the new law effectively gives the president a free hand to manipulate the electoral process and consolidate his power. This, he claims, is a clear attempt by Tshisekedi to undermine the democratic principles enshrined in the Congolese Constitution.

The proposed referendum law, which was adopted by the National Assembly and the Senate, was sent back to Parliament for further deliberation on August 10, 2026, following reservations from the Constitutional Court. However, critics argue that the law is unconstitutional and undermines the country's democratic institutions. According to Article 236 of the Congolese Constitution, any changes to the electoral process must be approved by both the National Assembly and the Senate. The new law appears to bypass this requirement, granting the president sweeping powers to shape the electoral landscape.

This development has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers advising clients in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As Moleka notes, any changes to the country's political agenda can have far-reaching consequences for business operations and investment decisions.

The introduction of the referendum law has sent shockwaves through the Congolese political establishment. Analysts are divided on the implications of this development, with some arguing that it marks a significant step towards authoritarianism while others see it as a necessary measure to stabilize the country's fragile politics.

As Moleka points out, the real test of Tshisekedi's maneuver will be in the implementation phase. Will he use his newfound powers to consolidate his position or will he seek to build bridges with opposition parties? The answer to this question will have far-reaching implications for Congolese politics and beyond.

This development highlights the importance for lawyers and compliance officers advising clients in the Democratic Republic of Congo to closely monitor any changes to the country's political agenda, as they may impact business operations or investment decisions.

Source: Original reporting via Loi sur le référendum : pour Christian Moleka, Tshisekedi manœuvre pour garder la main sur l'agenda politique