Mass rallies erupt in DR Congo as citizens reject president's third-term bid

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through streets in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, voicing strong opposition to a proposed third term for the country's president, Al Jazeera reported. The rallies, which appeared in several urban centers, were organized by a coalition of opposition parties and civil‑society groups that warn the move would undermine the nation’s constitutional safeguards.

The protesters carried banners demanding adherence to the two‑term limit enshrined in the 2006 constitution, which was adopted after years of civil war and has been a cornerstone of the country’s fragile democratic transition. Speakers at the gatherings warned that any attempt to amend the term‑limit clause could reignite political instability that has plagued the DRC for decades.

Background The Democratic Republic of Congo’s political landscape has long been shaped by debates over presidential tenure. After the end of the long‑standing rule of former President Joseph Kabila in 2019, the country held a relatively peaceful election that brought Felix Tshisekedi to power. However, the constitution limits presidents to two five‑year terms, and speculation about a constitutional amendment to allow a third term has surfaced as the 2026 election cycle approaches. Past attempts to extend term limits, notably in 2015 when Kabila sought a second term despite delayed elections, sparked widespread unrest and drew international criticism. The current protests echo those earlier movements, reflecting deep public concern that a third term could consolidate power and erode democratic gains.

Human‑rights organisations have called on the government to respect the constitutional framework and to engage in dialogue with opposition leaders. The protests have remained largely peaceful, though security forces have been deployed to monitor the crowds and prevent potential clashes.

The outcome of this political standoff could have significant implications for the DRC’s stability, its relationships with regional partners, and the broader trajectory of democratic governance in Central Africa. Observers note that any shift in the term‑limit rule may affect foreign aid, mining contracts, and the country’s ongoing efforts to combat armed groups in the eastern provinces.

As the nation heads toward the next electoral cycle, the demonstrations signal a robust civil‑society pushback against perceived attempts to concentrate power, underscoring the enduring demand for transparent and accountable leadership in the DRC.