The Democratic Republic of Congo’s ruling party has called for a constitutional reform, raising concerns among the opposition that it could extend President Felix Tshisekedi’s term in power.
The party’s secretary general, Augustin Kabuya, said the current constitution “has demonstrated its limits” and invited party leaders to “mobilise and raise awareness” about the “benefit of revising the constitution.”
Opposition groups and pro-democracy activists have warned against such efforts, stating that “trying to change the constitution to stay in power is a red line.”
President Tshisekedi has repeatedly called the constitution “outdated” and called for “reforms,” but the current constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms.
Any changes to the constitution must be voted on by referendum or by 60 percent of the members of parliament.
Political analyst Christian Moleka has questioned the presidential party’s true intentions, as they have been vague about whether they want to revise the current constitution or adopt a new one.
In January 2015, protests against a proposed electoral law led to deadly unrest in the capital Kinshasa and other cities.