Leaders of Congo’s main opposition parties called on Wednesday for nationwide protests against President Felix Tshisekedi’s plans to draft a new constitution, citing concerns over potential alterations to presidential term limits.
Last month, Tshisekedi announced plans to establish a national commission next year to draft a new constitution for the Central African nation. This move has raised alarm among opposition figures, including former President Joseph Kabila and former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu and Moise Katumbi, who view it as a potential threat to democratic safeguards.
In a joint statement, Shadary Ramazani, spokesperson for Kabila’s party, emphasized that the current constitution was designed to “prevent authoritarian drifts” and “guarantee democratic transitions of power.”
Tshisekedi, reelected last December under contested circumstances, has faced questions about his legitimacy since his disputed 2018 election victory. Much of his first term has been marked by efforts to consolidate his position while grappling with ongoing armed conflict in the country’s eastern regions.
The president has criticized the 2006 constitution, adopted through a referendum, calling it “outdated.” He has pointed to what he describes as inefficiencies, such as delays in forming governments after elections and conflicts between governors and provincial assemblies, as reasons for proposing a new constitutional framework.
Opposition groups, however, are concerned that the proposed changes could extend presidential term limits, allowing Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond the current two-term limit. While Tshisekedi has stated that decisions on term limits would rest with the people and not the president, skepticism remains high among his critics.
Experts note that Tshisekedi has the authority to propose constitutional changes, but such revisions would require approval from 60% of parliament or passage through a national referendum.
The opposition’s call for protests signals growing resistance to Tshisekedi’s plans and highlights the tensions surrounding his efforts to reshape Congo’s political system.