DR Congo Protests: Tshisekedi's Third Term

Protesters have hit the streets of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over proposed constitutional changes which many see as enabling President Felix Tshisekedi to run for a third-term presidency in 2028. Police used tear gas and live shots to disperse the protesters in the capital, Kinshasa, while protests were also seen in Lubumbashi and Uvira, among others.

The protests were organized by the opposition Coalition Article 64 (C64), which includes former candidates Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi. The coalition sees the government’s constitutional initiative as endangering the existing presidential term limits.

Why Tshisekedi’s Proposed Constitutional Amendments Have Protesters On The Streets

As per the present constitution of the DRC, the president is limited to two five-year terms. President Tshisekedi, who became president in 2019 and again in 2023, is approaching the end of his second term presidency due in 2028.

This debate relates to the amendments to the constitutional structure of referendums that might permit wider constitutional reforms. A bill currently under consideration by parliament provides the possibility to make constitutional amendments if there is “a major dysfunction” of the country’s state bodies. A constituent process and the holding of a referendum may follow next in order to agree on the amendments.

According to Tshisekedi, he would agree to seek another mandate in case the citizens of Congo voted for constitutional reforms at a referendum. This statement has stirred up fear among the opponents that, as a result, the reform process might abolish or change the present limit on the second term.

What Happened on September 15?

Several hundred people rallied in Kinshasa; initially, the demonstration passed smoothly, but later the confrontation erupted between demonstrators and government sympathizers. The police had to use tear gas and warning shots to disperse the crowd, Reuters reporters have confirmed.

In Lubumbashi and Uvira, there also took place demonstrations, despite the ban on them in these cities by government officials. Police dispersed the rallies and made arrests in Lubumbashi, while Kananga also experienced police intervention, and the rally in Kisangani was blocked.

The most recent unrest comes after the earlier disturbances in June, where security personnel were used to disperse an opposition rally in Kinshasa. Some of the opposition leaders sustained injuries in that incident as well, further fueling apprehension about the increasing levels of political tensions.

Who Is C64?

This organization gets its name from Article 64 of the constitution of the DRC, which states that citizens have a right to resist individuals or groups who seize power contrary to constitutional terms.

The organization has been in existence since May, bringing together some of the main opposition leaders like Fayulu, Katumbi and Delly Sesanga. The main demand from this coalition is for the government to drop any efforts to change the constitution in order to enable a third-term presidency.

The opposition is not ready to accept the government’s proposal for a national dialogue.

Why Timing Is Significant for the DRC

Firstly, the constitutional clash is happening at a time when the DRC is experiencing tremendous pressure in terms of security and the humanitarian situation.

Eastern DRC is still facing the issue of conflict with the armed group called M23, which has already captured large swathes of land. On the other hand, the country is also struggling with the Ebola virus outbreak. According to the UN, on September 15th, there have been 7,200 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,510 deaths reported in seven provinces.

The combination of the above-mentioned factors makes this constitutional battle particularly significant. Street protests can only complicate the situation.