DR Congo opposition leader banned from leaving country

An opposition leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo announced Monday he is banned from leaving the country and has had his passport confiscated, calling the move "intimidation" amid rising political tensions.

Delly Sesanga, who leads the Envol party and previously served as a minister and lawmaker, is a prominent figure in a new coalition opposing proposed constitutional amendments. These changes could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to extend his rule beyond his second and final term, which concludes in December 2028.

Earlier this month, parliament adopted a bill for a referendum on constitutional reform, a move critics fear will pave the way for a presidential third term. An opposition rally in the capital, Kinshasa, on June 12, aimed at denouncing an attempted "constitutional coup," was suppressed. During clashes between protesters, pro-government activists, and police, Sesanga and other opposition figures were injured. The UN human rights office condemned the death of at least one demonstrator.

Sesanga, who was traveling to Europe for medical reasons, stated he was informed of the travel ban and passport confiscation at the airport on Sunday. He was told to address the judicial system for further explanation, adding he had received no information about any legal proceedings against him. A judicial source, however, told a Congolese news agency that a judicial investigation into Sesanga is underway. Another opposition rally is planned for July 8.

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It’s intimidation and a form of arbitrariness. I haven’t received any information about any proceedings that may have been brought against me.