KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to oppose a proposed constitutional amendment that critics fear could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.
The demonstration was organised by the C64 coalition, an opposition alliance campaigning against proposed changes to the country’s constitution.
Protesters called on President Tshisekedi to abandon the proposed constitutional reforms, arguing that the move could undermine democratic principles and potentially allow him to remain in power beyond the constitutional limit.
President Tshisekedi was first elected in 2019 and secured a second term in the December 2023 presidential election. Under the current constitutional framework, presidents are limited to two terms.
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However, tensions have intensified after lawmakers from the ruling-party majority in parliament approved a proposal that could lead to changes in the constitution and ultimately be put to a referendum.
The proposed amendment has triggered growing concern among opposition groups, who accuse the government of attempting to alter the rules ahead of the next presidential election.
With elections still about two years away, political tensions between the government and its opponents are already running high.
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A similar opposition rally held in Kinshasa in July was reportedly suppressed by authorities, with clashes leaving several opposition supporters injured. The United Nations said at least one person was killed during the confrontation.
The latest protests come amid broader political uncertainty in the country, as opposition parties continue to demand greater political dialogue with the government.
In July, authorities announced plans for a national dialogue, an initiative that opposition groups had been calling for over an extended period. However, the government has yet to provide detailed terms or a clear framework for how the dialogue will be conducted.
The constitutional controversy is unfolding against the backdrop of a severe security crisis in eastern DR Congo, where fighting has displaced large numbers of civilians and intensified political pressure on the government.
The M23 armed group, which the Congolese government and other international actors have linked to Rwanda, has seized significant territory in eastern Congo, further complicating the government’s political and security challenges.
The opposition argues that the government should focus on restoring peace and stability rather than pursuing constitutional changes that could potentially extend the president’s tenure.
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For Tshisekedi’s administration, however, the proposed constitutional reform is likely to remain one of the most contentious political issues ahead of the next election.
As demonstrations and political disagreements continue, attention is now turning to whether the government will proceed with the proposed constitutional changes and whether the country can reach a political compromise before the next electoral cycle.
The developments are likely to keep DR Congo’s political landscape under close scrutiny, particularly as the country simultaneously confronts an ongoing security crisis in its eastern provinces.
