DR Congo Faces Rising Tensions Over Proposed Constitutional Referendum

Tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo are escalating as the government moves forward with plans to introduce a new constitution. The opposition, led by the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, has accused President Felix Tshisekedi of using the constitutional draft to secure a third term, arguing that it would extend his stay in office beyond the limits set by the current charter.

In response to the growing unrest, opposition leaders had scheduled large protests in the capital, Kinshasa, but have now postponed the demonstrations after an offer of mediation from the African Union. The AU’s proposal includes a neutral review of the constitutional text and a timetable for a nationwide referendum, a step the opposition says could defuse the immediate crisis while keeping the debate open.

The government has stated that the constitutional process will proceed as planned, citing the need to modernize the country’s legal framework. Meanwhile, opposition groups have called for a transparent review and a clear deadline for the referendum, warning that any delay could further destabilise the political landscape.