Hundreds protest in DRC against constitutional change that could open way to third term

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Kinshasa on Tuesday to oppose proposed constitutional changes that critics fear could allow Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.

The protest was organised by the opposition C64 coalition, which is demanding that Tshisekedi abandon changes it says could weaken existing presidential term limits. Tshisekedi was first elected in 2019 and won a second term in 2023.

Political tensions have been building even though the next elections are still two years away. A parliament dominated by the ruling party has approved a proposal to extend the presidential mandate, while opposition groups have mobilised against any constitutional route that could permit another term.

An earlier anti-amendment rally in Kinshasa in July was suppressed by authorities. Opposition supporters were injured in clashes and the United Nations said at least one person was killed.

The government announced plans for a national dialogue in July, a step long sought by opposition groups, but details of the process have remained unclear.

The constitutional dispute is unfolding while the DRC continues to face serious security challenges, particularly in the east, where the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group seized large areas of territory last year.

Source: Africanews. Read the original report.

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