Opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have called for nationwide protests against President Félix Tshisekedi, accusing him of trying to secure a third term in office through constitutional changes.
The demonstrations are expected to take place in the capital, Kinshasa, and other major cities on Wednesday.
Political tensions have intensified more than two years before the country’s next presidential election, the controversy centres on a proposed constitutional amendment that could pave the way for a referendum on changes to the country’s constitution.
Parliament, where President Tshisekedi’s allies hold a strong majority, approved the bill last month.
Although the current constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, Tshisekedi recently suggested he could seek another term if the public supports him.
“If the people want me to have a third term, I will accept,” he said during a press conference in May.
In an Independence Day address on Tuesday, President Tshisekedi announced that he had referred the bill to the Constitutional Court for a review of its legality.
The court’s decision will determine whether the president can sign the legislation into law.
However, critics have questioned the court’s independence, arguing that it has become increasingly politicised.
The proposed reforms have united several opposition leaders who were previously divided after the 2023 presidential election.
The opposition coalition, known as C64, takes its name from Article 64 of the constitution, which allows citizens to resist any unconstitutional seizure of power.
Prominent members include opposition figures Moïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu and Delly Sesanga.
The coalition says it will continue peaceful demonstrations to defend constitutional term limits.
A protest held in Kinshasa on June 12 ended in clashes between police, government supporters and opposition demonstrators.
According to the United Nations, at least one protester was killed during the unrest.
Both Fayulu and Sesanga sustained injuries in the confrontation.
Analysts say opposition leaders hope the protests will rebuild public support ahead of future elections.
The influential Catholic Church has also expressed concern over the proposed constitutional changes.
The country’s Catholic bishops urged President Tshisekedi to honour his constitutional oath and respect presidential term limits.
They also encouraged citizens to oppose any constitutional amendments through peaceful and legal means.
The Church remains one of the country’s most influential institutions and has historically played a key role during political crises.
The planned demonstrations come as authorities battle an Ebola outbreak in northeastern DR Congo.
The government has banned large public gatherings in four provinces, including Kinshasa, to limit the spread of the disease.
It remains unclear whether the opposition protests will be affected by the restrictions.
