The warning comes amid growing tensions between the government and opposition leaders, including Martin Fayulu, Delly Sesanga and Jean-Marc Kabund, over plans to amend the country's Constitution.

The three politicians are part of a coalition known as C64, which was established to oppose the proposed constitutional changes. On June 12, 2026, the coalition organized a demonstration outside the National Assembly in Kinshasa, where protesters were reportedly dispersed by police.

The group is now preparing another major protest scheduled for July 8 outside the Presidential Palace. During the demonstration, opposition supporters are expected to call for Tshisekedi's resignation, arguing that efforts to amend the Constitution while the country remains at war amount to a betrayal of national interests.

Speaking to Télé 50, Shabani condemned the opposition's actions, accusing its leaders of encouraging Congolese citizens to remove the Commander-in-Chief at a time when government forces are engaged in fighting in the eastern part of the country.

"You meet in Kinshasa and then announce to the Congolese people that you have set a date to remove the leader of the armed forces while the country is engaged in war. These are acts of high treason," Shabani said.

The minister further argued that Tshisekedi's removal from office would primarily benefit the country's adversaries and would not serve the interests of the Congolese people.

Shabani also suggested that the planned July 8 protest could expose its organizers to legal action. He noted that under previous administrations, it would have been unthinkable for politicians to publicly call for the resignation of a sitting president.

At the heart of the dispute is a proposed constitutional reform that critics say could allow Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond the current two-term limit.

Opposition leaders maintain that the existing Constitution bars him from serving beyond 2028.

During a press conference in early May 2026, Tshisekedi stated that if the conflict in eastern DRC remains unresolved by 2028, elections would not take place and he would continue leading the country.

The president also indicated that he would be willing to remain in office beyond 2028 if Congolese citizens requested him to do so.

The constitutional reform initiative has already advanced significantly, with both chambers of Parliament approving plans for a referendum on the proposed changes.