Democratic Republic of Congo
The opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo have called for a mass protest and President Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation over proposed constitutional changes that could allow him to seek a third term.
In a press conference in Kinshasa, the C64 opposition group said it would not back down and urged the population to organize a massive mobilization on July 22 to demand Tshisekedi’s departure.
‘This march will say no to the constitutional coup. No to the seizure of popular sovereignty. No to endless war and bad governance. It will say yes to the Constitution, peace, justice, and democratic transfer of power. Finally, it will demand Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation because he has betrayed his constitutional oath,’ said Jean-Marc Kabund, opposition leader.
Tensions between the government and its opponents have been running high since the parliament, dominated by the ruling party, approved a proposal to extend the president’s mandate.
‘There can be no question of suspending citizens’ actions or engaging in dialogue until Félix Tshisekedi publicly renounces his constitutional amendment project, which is dividing the nation and threatening the country with fragmentation,’ added Kabund.
Tshisekedi, 63, has been in power since 2019 and his second and final five-year term was set to end in 2028.
