DRC President Felix Tshisekedi pushes constitutional referendum, sparking protests

The Democratic Republic of Congo's parliament approved a bill allowing constitutional changes to be decided by a referendum, a move critics say could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. On 28 July the Constitutional Court validated the referendum law, confirming its conformity with the constitution while noting reservations on controversial provisions.

Thousands of residents in the rebel‑controlled eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu demonstrated against the proposed changes, carrying banners demanding “no to constitutional change” and “no to a third term”. The government accused the AFC/M23 rebels of coercing participation, even as a ban on gatherings remained in place due to Ebola concerns. Opposition protests in Kinshasa earlier in June were also dispersed by security forces.

The controversy has revived political tension in the DRC, with the opposition re‑mobilising and the United Nations condemning the death of at least one demonstrator.