Tshisekedi third-term proposal sparks protests in DRC

n n

Dozens of people have been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following protests against a proposed constitutional amendment that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.

n

The protests broke out on Tuesday in Kinshasa, the capital, and several other major cities, with police using force to disperse demonstrators.

n

According to Reuters, police fired tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa to disperse hundreds of protesters who participated in the demonstrations.

n

Videos shared on social media showed protesters waving flags belonging to various political parties during demonstrations organised by Coalition Article 64 (C64), a broad opposition alliance opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments.

n

Tshisekedi, who has been president since 2019, is due to complete his second five-year term in 2028. Under the current constitution, he would be ineligible to seek another term.

n

However, the 63-year-old president said last month that he would be willing to serve a third term in the conflict-plagued country “if the people wish it.”

n

In June, months before Tshisekedi made the remarks, the DRC Senate passed a bill providing for the holding of referendums in the country.

n

The protests reportedly escalated after supporters and opponents of Tshisekedi clashed during demonstrations over the proposed constitutional changes, prompting police to intervene.

n

Martin Fayulu, a former presidential candidate and one of the leaders of C64, said the opposition was considering filing an international complaint against Tshisekedi over the alleged violence against opposition activists.

n n