Congo-Kinshasa is currently at the heart of heated political and social discussions, following the call launched by various political figures and citizen movements against the change of the Constitution and the possible third term of President Félix Tshisekedi. A press conference held in Kinshasa was the scene of this call for national mobilization against what is perceived as a threat to Congolese democracy.
Among the main opponents of this possible constitutional revision is Ados Ndombasi, president of the Alternative 2028 group. He invites the Congolese to stand up against what he calls the “dictatorship of Félix Tshisekedi”, pointing out the risk of authoritarian drift that a third term of the Head of State would imply. According to him, this initiative would only benefit the personal interest of Félix Tshisekedi, to the detriment of the general interest and the stability of the country.
Indeed, for Ados Ndombasi, the desire displayed by President Tshisekedi to cling to power beyond the constitutional limits constitutes a serious threat to democracy and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He warns against the risk of democratic regression and calls for citizen mobilization to defend the fundamental principles of the Congolese Constitution.
In this context of protest, various political figures such as Delly Sessanga of the Envol party, Jean-Claude Katende of ASADHO and Fred Bauma of Lucha have joined this call against any attempt to extend the presidential mandate beyond the legal limits. They insist on the importance of respecting the principle of limitation of presidential mandates to guarantee political stability and democracy in the DRC.
It is essential that the voices of civil society and the opposition be heard in order to preserve democratic gains and prevent any authoritarian drift. Citizen vigilance and popular mobilization are essential bulwarks to defend the rule of law and democratic principles in the face of potential threats to political governance in the DRC.