DR Congo opposition calls protest over third-term changes

DR Congo opposition leaders called on Thursday for a July 22 protest against constitutional changes that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.

The opposition grouping C64 said at a Kinshasa news conference that it would continue mobilising and called for “a major mobilisation on July 22 to demand the resignation of Felix Tshisekedi”.

Tensions have risen after the ruling party's parliamentary majority approved a proposal to extend the presidential mandate. Tshisekedi, who has been in power since 2019, is in his second and final five-year term, which is due to end in 2028. He has not yet decided whether to pass the bill into law.

C64 had planned protests for Wednesday but postponed them after African Union chief Evariste Ndayishimiye invited opposition figures to consultations.

Opposition leader Delly Sesanga said the mobilisation would continue until the president publicly abandoned the plan to change the constitution.

A June 12 opposition rally in Kinshasa was marred by clashes involving pro-government counter-demonstrators and police. The United Nations said at least one protester died, and Human Rights Watch on Thursday accused security forces of using excessive force against protesters.