Opposition-led protests in Kinshasa turned violent Monday as demonstrators resisted a new bill regarding constitutional reform [1].
The unrest signals a deepening political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Opposition leaders said the proposed changes will dismantle democratic safeguards and allow the current administration to extend its grip on power.
Lawmakers recently passed a referendum bill that could lead to significant constitutional changes [3]. These changes are being positioned ahead of the elections scheduled for 2028 [3]. The move has sparked immediate backlash from political opponents who said the process is designed to benefit the incumbent.
Opposition leaders said the reform could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third presidential term [1]. They have described the potential for such an extension as a "constitutional coup" [1, 3].
Fresh clashes erupted during the protests in the capital city of Kinshasa [1, 2]. The opposition has vowed to intensify its resistance as the battle over the referendum intensifies [1, 2].
While the government said the referendum is a legal path toward constitutional evolution, the opposition views it as a strategic maneuver to bypass term limits. The tension in Kinshasa reflects a broader struggle over the legality of the 2028 electoral framework [3].
“Opposition leaders said the reform could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third presidential term.”
The push for a constitutional referendum creates a high-risk political environment in the DR Congo. By potentially altering term limits before the 2028 elections, the government risks further destabilizing the country and alienating the opposition, which may lead to prolonged civil unrest in Kinshasa and other urban centers.
