DR Congo opposition mobilises protests against president’s third-term bid

The opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo is mobilizing for demonstrations across the country, demanding President Felix Tshisekedi's resignation. They accuse the president of attempting to circumvent the constitution to remain in power beyond his second and final term, which is set to conclude in late 2028.

Political tensions have been escalating in the Central African nation, which has grappled with decades of conflict and an Ebola outbreak in its eastern regions. Tshisekedi, who came to power in 2019, has fueled opposition concerns by suggesting he would accept a third term if the public wished. This statement appears to confirm the opposition's long-held allegations of his ambitions.

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If the people want me to have a third term, I will accept.

The core of the dispute lies in a bill outlining the framework for a constitutional amendment referendum. This bill recently passed Parliament, where Tshisekedi's party holds a significant majority. However, the opposition points to a recent report by the Ebuteli research center, which notes that "parliamentary oversight is rarely exercised" in the DRC.

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History will be unforgiving towards those who chose ambitions of power over the defence of the nation.

On Tuesday, Tshisekedi announced he had referred the bill to the Constitutional Court for a constitutionality review. The opposition, however, questions the court's independence, citing past instances of perceived politicization. The bill has galvanized the opposition, which, though fragmented after the 2023 presidential election (won by Tshisekedi with 73% of the vote), has formed the C64 coalition. This coalition invokes Article 64 of the constitution, which permits citizens to resist unconstitutional power grabs.

Prominent figures in the opposition include former presidential candidate Moïse Katumbi, former minister Delly Sesanga, and Martin Fayulu, who continues to claim victory in the disputed 2018 election. Sesanga warned that "history will be unforgiving towards those who chose ambitions of power over the defense of the nation," while Fayulu vowed, "We will not give in; we are ready to do whatever it takes for the good of the nation." Both Sesanga and Fayulu were injured during a rally in June protesting what they termed a "constitutional coup d’état."

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We will not give in; we are ready to do whatever it takes for the good of the nation.