DRC OPPOSITION PROTESTS AS CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES FUEL THIRD-TERM DEBATE

Protests have erupted in several cities across the Democratic Republic of Congo over proposed constitutional changes that opponents say could create a pathway for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office. Demonstrations were held in Kinshasa and other cities on Tuesday, with police using tear gas and warning shots to disperse protesters in the capital.

The protests were organised by the opposition coalition C64, which has been campaigning against the proposed constitutional amendments. Hundreds of people reportedly gathered in Kinshasa, where the demonstration initially proceeded peacefully before clashes involving protesters and supporters of the government led security forces to intervene.

Tshisekedi, who has been president since 2019, has said he would be willing to seek another term if the Congolese people approved it through a referendum. Under the current constitution, however, the president is limited to two five-year terms, meaning Tshisekedi’s second term is expected to end in 2028.

The proposed constitutional reforms have become a major political issue in the country, with opposition parties and civil society groups expressing concern that changes to the constitution could alter the existing presidential term limits. The government has presented the reform process as part of a broader effort to review the country’s constitutional framework and address institutional issues.

The latest protests come amid wider challenges facing the DRC, including the ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels in the eastern provinces and an Ebola outbreak that has led authorities to impose restrictions on large public gatherings. Opposition leaders have vowed to continue challenging the proposed reforms, while government officials have maintained that the right to protest must be exercised within the law.