Congo opposition calls for protests against plans to reformed constitution

21/11/2024 6:22

        Opposition politicians in
        Democratic Republic of Congo called on Wednesday for nationwide
        protests against President Felix Tshisekedi's plans to revise
        the constitution.
        
        Sworn into office in January for a second and final term,
        Tshisekedi said in October a commission would be established to
        suggest potential changes to the constitution.
        
        Critics have said it could be a tactic to remove term
        limits and allow him to run again.
        
        Tshisekedi said the current constitution, ratified by a
        referendum in 2005, needed to change because it did not align
        with the country's current realities.
        
        In a joint statement on Wednesday, opposition politicians
        including former president Joseph Kabila and former presidential
        candidates Martin Fayulu and ⁠Moise Katumbi called for protests
        to "block" Tshisekedi.
        
        Congo's presidency did not respond to a request for comment.
        
        Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya said on Monday no one
        should question the president's intentions, and that debates
        around the constitutional reform should be de-politicised.
        
        "We're at the beginning of our mandate... The President of
        the Republic still has four years to go, and we must avoid
        attributing intentions to him," Muyaya told reporters.