Hundreds Protest in DR Congo Against President’s Third Term Bid
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo used tear gas and arrested protesters as demonstrations were held in several cities against President Felix Tshisekedi’s plans to change the constitution. Opposition parties have united under the C64 coalition to oppose the proposed changes, which they say could allow Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Clashes broke out between opposition and pro-government supporters in Kinshasa, while police dispersed demonstrations that had been banned by local authorities. Protests were also reported in Lubumbashi and Mbandaka, where activists defied bans and were dispersed by security forces. Opposition figures accused authorities of making arbitrary arrests, while police said they were maintaining public order.
The constitutional changes come as the country continues to face conflict in the east, including fighting involving the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. The opposition has also rejected Tshisekedi’s offer of national dialogue, accusing him of using it to strengthen his position.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo’s main opposition coalition, C64, has postponed a planned protest after President Félix Tshisekedi announced the imminent launch of a national dialogue aimed at easing the country’s political tensions.
The coalition agreed to suspend the march at the request of Catholic and Protestant church leaders, who are expected to mediate the talks. It warned that the dialogue must
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![Rally of opposition protesters in the DRC organized by the C64 coalition.]()
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s opposition coalition, C64, has postponed nationwide protests until July 22. The decision follows a mediation initiative by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye in his capacity as the current chair of the African Union.
The coalition accuses President Félix Tshisekedi of using a proposed constitutional referendum to remove presidential term limits and pave the way
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Despite an ongoing outbreak of Ebola and the insecurity in eastern DR Congo, political tensions are rising over a proposed constitutional amendment.
This could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to serve a third term. The National Assembly has passed a referendum bill widely viewed as a key to constitutional reform, amid opposition boycotts and accusations that the ruling party is seeking to circumvent term
Félix Tshisekedi
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