Meanwhile, in another African country, protesters took to the streets of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The demonstrations targeted proposed constitutional changes that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
The protests took place on Tuesday, September 15, in Kinshasa and other cities.
The opposition C64 coalition organised the nationwide mobilisation against the proposed reforms.
Police fired tear gas and warning shots as clashes broke out around the demonstrations.
Tshisekedi’s Third-Term Question
Tshisekedi has led the DRC since winning the presidency in 2019.
He secured another five-year term in the 2023 election and is currently expected to leave office in 2028.
The constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms.
However, Tshisekedi has said he would accept another term if Congolese citizens wanted him to continue.
His supporters describe constitutional reform as a broader institutional process.
Meanwhile, opposition groups fear the changes could eventually remove obstacles to a third presidential term.
C64 has strongly opposed the process and called for resistance to any attempt to extend Tshisekedi’s tenure.
A Wider SADC Question
The developments also raise questions about how neighbouring countries respond to constitutional changes.
Zimbabwe provides a recent example of a presidential term being extended through constitutional amendments.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed amendments in July extending presidential terms from five years to seven.
The changes also postponed Zimbabwe’s next presidential election from 2028 to 2030.
Tanzania also faced serious criticism after its 2025 election.
African Union observers reported ballot stuffing, restrictions on observers and other problems affecting electoral integrity.
Mozambique’s 2024 election likewise faced documented irregularities.
European Union observers reported unjustified alterations to results during the counting process.
Against this regional backdrop, the DRC protests carry significance beyond Kinshasa.
Ultimately, however, the direction of Congo’s constitutional debate will depend heavily on Congolese institutions and citizens.
The post DRC Protests: Tshisekedi’s Third-Term Push Sparks a Regional Democracy Debate appeared first on iHarare News.
