Leaders of Congo’s main opposition parties on Wednesday called for nationwide protests against President Felix Tshisekedi’s plans to draft a new constitution.
Last month, Tshisekedi announced the formation of a national commission next year to draft a new constitution for the Central African nation, sparking opposition fears that the move could lead to changes in the presidential term limit.
Key opposition figures, including former President Joseph Kabila and former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu and Moise Katumbi, have united in opposition to the plan, urging the public to protest.
Shadary Ramazani, spokesperson for Kabila’s party, emphasized in a joint opposition statement that the constitution is meant to “prevent authoritarian tendencies” and “ensure democratic transitions of power.”
Tshisekedi, who was reelected last December amid opposition claims of irregularities, has faced challenges in solidifying his legitimacy since his contested 2018 election victory. His administration has also struggled to address ongoing armed conflicts in eastern Congo.
The president has criticized the 2006 constitution, adopted via referendum, labeling it “outdated.” However, opposition groups suspect that the push for a new charter is aimed at extending the two-term, five-year presidential limit to allow Tshisekedi to stay in power.
