DR Congo Faces Tensions Over Constitutional Reform
Despite an ongoing outbreak of Ebola and the insecurity in eastern DR Congo, political tensions are rising over a proposed constitutional amendment.
This could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to serve a third term. The National Assembly has passed a referendum bill widely viewed as a key to constitutional reform, amid opposition boycotts and accusations that the ruling party is seeking to circumvent term limits. Tshisekedi said he would only accept a third term if the people demanded it. Supporters of his initiative said constitutional reform was a manifestation of popular sovereignty.
Critics in the opposition said it could undermine democracy and amount to a "constitutional coup". The initiative has also drawn legal and public backlash, with debate on whether term limits can be changed, growing protests, and calls for international attention as the nation faces deepening political and security challenges.
InFocus
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Human Rights Watch has called for the DR Congo people's right to freedom of expression to be upheld without fear of intimidation or harassment, as reports of the arbitrary detention of journalists, activists, and opposition members emerge.
In a statement, the rights group warned that the clampdown on dissent coincides with rising political tensions over a potential
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Opposition figures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have condemned remarks by President Félix Tshisekedi, who said he would be willing to serve a third term if the public requested it.
The country's constitution limits presidents to two terms. Tshisekedi said any constitutional changes would be put to a referendum. Critics argue that Article 220 explicitly prohibits amendments to presidential term
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President Felix Tshisekedi.
