Protests Erupt in DRC Against Proposed Constitutional Changes for President
Protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo have taken to the streets to oppose proposed legislation that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to extend his term. The demonstrations have escalated into violent clashes as police respond with a crackdown on dissent.
Sources
Protests have erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in response to legislation that could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to potentially serve a third term through a constitutional amendment and a referendum. This political turmoil is compounded by ongoing conflicts in the east and an expanding Ebola outbreak in the country. The situation has raised concerns about an attempted power grab by the president, prompting significant public dissent.
Protests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) escalated into violent clashes as police suppressed demonstrations against proposed constitutional changes that may allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, resulting in at least 10 arrests and widespread unrest in cities like Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Uvira. The unrest occurs amid a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak, which is now the world’s worst on record, complicating the DRC's efforts to manage the crisis in conflict-affected regions where health infrastructure is severely lacking. Additionally, DRC officials are scheduled to meet with Rwandan representatives in Geneva on September 16 and 17 to discuss the implementation of the 2025 Washington Accords, following accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC.