Opposition politicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo have issued a call for nationwide protests in an effort to thwart President Felix Tshisekedi’s proposed revision of the country’s constitution.
In October, President Felix Tshisekedi announced the formation of a commission to propose changes to the country’s constitution, as reported by Reuters. This move comes as Tshisekedi begins his second and final term in office, having been sworn in just this past January.
He stated, “The current constitution, ratified by a referendum in 2005, needed to change because it did not align with the country’s current realities.”
Tshisekedi’s decision to revise the constitution has raised concerns among the Congolese opposition, who view the move as an attempt to extend his term in office.
In a united front, Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leaders, including former President Joseph Kabila and ex-presidential candidates Martin Fayulu and Moise Katumbi, issued a joint statement on Wednesday urging citizens to take to the streets in protest against President Felix Tshisekedi’s proposed constitutional reforms.
Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya countered the criticisms, saying, “We’re at the beginning of our mandate… The President of the Republic still has four years to go, and we must avoid attributing intentions to him.”
As of now, the presidency has remained silent regarding the opposition’s demands for nationwide protests against the President’s proposed constitutional reforms.
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