DR Congo: Opposition Calls for Tshisekedi’s Resignation and Mass Protests

Opposition Seeks to Halt Tshisekedi’s Third Term

The leaders of the opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo have called on President Félix Tshisekedi to step down and for a massive protest on July 22 to demand his resignation.

This call comes as tensions between the government and its opponents are escalating, with the parliament having approved a proposal to extend Tshisekedi’s term in office.

Tshisekedi, who has been in power since 2019, is set to complete his second and final five-year term in 2028. However, he has not yet decided whether to promulgate the proposed constitutional amendment that would allow him to run for a third term.

Opposition leader Jean-Marc Kabund said that any attempt to suspend citizen action or engage in dialogue until Tshisekedi renounces his plans to modify the constitution would be unacceptable.

‘This march will say no to the unconstitutional coup, no to the confiscation of the people’s sovereignty, no to the endless war and bad governance. It will say yes to the respect of the Constitution, yes to peace, justice and democratic transfer of power,’ Kabund said.

The opposition is concerned that Tshisekedi’s proposed constitutional amendment would undermine the country’s democracy and lead to division and instability.