In a significant development for African politics, leading opposition figures in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday issued a resounding call for President Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation. They simultaneously announced plans for a massive demonstration, protesting proposed constitutional amendments that could potentially allow him to seek a third term.
During a press conference held in Kinshasa, the influential opposition collective known as C64 declared its unwavering resolve, urging the populace to organize “a massive mobilization on July 22 to demand Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation.”
“This march will emphatically reject any constitutional coup d’état. It will say no to the confiscation of popular sovereignty. It will oppose endless conflict and poor governance in Africa. Instead, it will affirm our commitment to respecting the Constitution, to peace, to justice, and to the democratic transfer of power. Ultimately, it will demand the resignation of Mr. Félix Tshisekedi, as he has betrayed his constitutional oath,” stated Jean-Marc Kabund, a prominent opposition leader, articulating the movement’s core grievances regarding governance Africa.
With the next national elections merely two years away, political tensions have escalated significantly between the government and its opponents. This surge in unrest follows the Parliament’s approval of a proposal to extend the presidential term, a move largely driven by the ruling party’s majority.
“There can be no question of suspending citizen actions or engaging in dialogue until Mr. Félix Tshisekedi publicly and definitively abandons his project to amend the Constitution, a divisive initiative that threatens to balkanize our nation,” Jean-Marc Kabund further emphasized, highlighting the deep concerns within society Africa.
President Félix Tshisekedi, 63, assumed office in 2019, and his current second and final five-year mandate is scheduled to conclude in 2028.
As of now, President Tshisekedi has not yet indicated whether he intends to sign this controversial bill into law.
