Hundreds protest in DR Congo over president's third term

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Kinshasa on Saturday to voice opposition to a possible third term for President Félix Tshisekedi, calling the move a breach of the nation’s constitutional term limits. The rallies, organized by a coalition of opposition parties and civil‑society groups, featured chants and placards demanding that the president respect the two‑term rule enshrined in the 2006 constitution. Police responded with dispersal tactics, including the use of tear‑gas canisters and the arrest of several participants, while authorities warned that any attempt to alter the succession framework could destabilize the country’s fragile democratic transition.

The protests come amid growing debate over a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow incumbents to seek a third term, a measure critics argue could undermine democratic norms ahead of the 2026 elections. International observers have called for transparent dialogue and adherence to constitutional provisions, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful, lawful political process. The government has not yet clarified its stance on the amendment, leaving the opposition and the public to await further developments.