Thousands of people took to the streets of Goma and Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday to protest proposed constituti
Thousands of people took to the streets of Goma and Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday to protest proposed constitutional changes that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to pursue a third term in office.
Reuters reported the demonstrations took place in the two eastern Congolese cities against constitutional changes that could pave the way for Tshisekedi to run again.
Demonstrators carried banners reading “No to constitutional change” and “No to a referendum and a third term.”
The DRC senate adopted a bill in June paving the way for a referendum on a new constitution that would allow Tshisekedi — currently in his second and final term — to serve a third term as though it were his first.
A civil society leader in Bukavu argued the reform is not the country’s priority. Protesters said the proposed changes are not urgent given the insecurity and armed violence gripping eastern DRC, particularly since fighting between AFC/M23 rebels and Congolese forces escalated in early 2025, and organisers also called on the government to pursue direct dialogue with the rebel group.
The protests carried additional political undertones. Demonstrators also called for the United Nations to lift sanctions imposed this month on AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa and the group, while government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accused the rebels of coercing residents into joining the rallies.
The demonstrations went ahead under police supervision despite a ban on public gatherings introduced to curb the spread of Ebola, after rebel leaders declared their territories Ebola-free last month.
The episode adds to months of tension over the term-limit debate, following earlier protests in Kinshasa in June that turned violent when police used tear gas to disperse crowds.
COMMENTS