Tshisekedi third-term proposal sparks protests in DRC

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.”

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

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

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.