Opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo have called on President Félix Tshisekedi to resign and stage a massive protest against constitutional changes that could allow him to run for a third term.
The C64 opposition group, which held a press conference in Kinshasa, said it would not back down and urged citizens to organize a large-scale demonstration on July 22 to demand Tshisekedi’s resignation.
‘This march will say no to the constitutional coup. No to the seizure of popular sovereignty. No to the endless war and poor governance. It will say yes to the Constitution, peace, justice, and democratic transfer of power. Finally, it will demand Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation because he has betrayed his constitutional oath,’ said Jean-Marc Kabund, opposition leader.
Tensions are already high between the government and its opponents since the parliament, dominated by the ruling party, approved a proposal to extend the president’s term. The opposition says this is undemocratic and threatens the country’s stability.
Despite two years until the next elections, the opposition is taking a firm stance against Tshisekedi’s move, which they claim will divide the nation and lead to balkanization.