Thousands protest in eastern Congo over any presidential third term

Thousands of residents took to the streets in the eastern Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu on Tuesday to oppose proposed constitutional amendments that critics say could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.

The demonstrations were held in the two cities, which have been under the control of AFC/M23 rebels since the group’s rapid advance across North and South Kivu provinces last year.

The protests followed Parliament’s approval in June of a bill allowing proposed constitutional amendments to be submitted to a national referendum. Opponents argue the move could clear the way for President Tshisekedi to extend his stay in office beyond the current constitutional limit.

The proposed reforms have already sparked political tensions, with opposition-led demonstrations in the capital, Kinshasa, on June 12 being dispersed by security forces.

Protesters in Goma and Bukavu carried placards bearing messages such as “No to constitutional change” and “No to a referendum and a third term,” according to Reuters witnesses.

Demonstrators also called on the United Nations to lift sanctions imposed earlier this month on AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa and the rebel movement.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya alleged in a post on X that the rebels had compelled residents to participate in the demonstrations. An AFC/M23 spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Despite an official ban on public gatherings introduced to limit the spread of Ebola, the protests proceeded under police supervision, according to witnesses. Rebel authorities had declared areas under their control free of Ebola last month.