Thousands Rally in Eastern Congo Cities Over Proposed Constitutional Changes

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Goma and Bukavu on Saturday, voicing opposition to a draft constitutional amendment that would allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a second term in office. Organizers reported that crowds numbered between 10,000 and 15,000 in each city, with participants chanting slogans and holding signs demanding the preservation of the current term limits. Police presence was visible but no clashes were reported, and authorities announced that the protests remained peaceful despite the large turnout. The government’s spokesperson said the amendment is intended to “strengthen democratic governance” and that the public will have the opportunity to voice opinions during the upcoming national consultation.

The proposed revision, which is slated for parliamentary debate later this month, seeks to modify Article 84 of the Congolese constitution, the clause that currently restricts presidents to a single five‑year term. Critics argue that the change would undermine the 2015 constitutional reform that introduced the term‑limit provision, while supporters claim it would provide continuity in leadership amid ongoing security challenges. Opposition parties and civil‑society groups have called for a nationwide referendum, warning that any alteration without broad consensus could erode public trust in state institutions.

The unrest in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, occurs against a backdrop of persistent violence in eastern DR Congo. Since the early 2000s, the region has been plagued by armed conflict involving rebel groups, militia factions, and foreign forces, leading to displacement of millions and frequent human‑rights violations. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) estimates that over 5 million people have been affected by insecurity in the east, while the area remains rich in mineral resources that fuel competition among armed actors. These dynamics have contributed to a fragile political environment in which constitutional debates are closely watched by both domestic and international observers.

International reaction to the proposed amendment has been cautious. The African Union and the European Union have urged the Congolese government to ensure that any constitutional change follows a transparent, inclusive process and respects the rule of law. Human‑rights organizations have highlighted concerns that extending presidential tenure could exacerbate existing governance deficits and impede efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the east. As the parliamentary session approaches, the government faces pressure to balance its reform agenda with the demands of a populace that has repeatedly taken to the streets to defend democratic norms.