DRC opposition announces national march against constitutional changes

The opposition coalition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as Coalition Article 64 (C64), has announced a national march scheduled for September 15. The protest is aimed at the opening of the parliamentary session and will converge on the Palais du Peuple in Kinshasa.

The mobilization follows the government's decision to return a bill regarding referendum conditions to Parliament for further deliberation, incorporating reservations from the Constitutional Court. The C64, which includes political figures such as Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, and Jean-Marc Kabund, opposes any constitutional changes that could allow for a third presidential term for Félix Tshisekedi.

Specifically, the opposition is defending Articles 70 and 220 of the Constitution, which govern presidential term lengths and limits. The coalition expressed concerns that attempting to modify the fundamental law during a period of territorial occupation by foreign forces threatens national sovereignty and territorial integrity.