Thousands Protest in Rebel Held Eastern Congo Over Proposed Third Term Reforms

Thousands of people marched in the eastern Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu on Tuesday to protest proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.

According to Reuters, the demonstrations took place in Goma and Bukavu, both of which have been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel alliance since the group’s rapid advance across North and South Kivu provinces last year. Protesters carried banners reading “No to constitutional change” and “No to a referendum and a third term.”

The protests followed the Congolese parliament’s approval in June of a bill allowing constitutional amendments to be submitted to a national referendum. Opposition groups argue the measure could pave the way for Tshisekedi to extend his time in office beyond constitutional limits. Similar demonstrations were held in the capital, Kinshasa, in June before being dispersed by security forces.

Demonstrators also called on the United Nations to lift sanctions imposed earlier this month on AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa and the rebel movement. Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accused the rebels of forcing residents to participate in the protests, an allegation that AFC/M23 did not immediately respond to.

Reuters witnesses said the demonstrations were monitored by police despite an existing ban on public gatherings introduced to help contain the spread of Ebola. Rebel authorities last month declared areas under their control free of the disease.

The proposed constitutional reforms have intensified political tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with opposition groups warning they could undermine democratic governance ahead of future elections.