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.
I repeat. It will be extremely foolish for President HH to go for constitutional changes to facilitate a third term. He should leave this to Munagagwa and Tshisekedi who don’t care about a good name.
Already, some “Kandiles” are testing the waters. We must begin to prepare to resist vigorously any attempt to grab a third term.
Mr President, come 2031, please leave the stage while we are still applauding. You just might get a standing ovation if you put up the kind of performance I am expecting from you in your second term.
It would be very sad if you were to soil your name over a third term attempt.
Stop the speculation let HH govern we do not want the next 5 years to be like the last 5 years.Offer proper checks and balances, not unnecessary speculations.
In Uganda, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Constitutional amendments had already been done. Museveni can continue ruling as long as he wants, no term limit. Kagame will go up to 2034 before another amendment is done. This is Africa, we are not surprised to hear about what is happening in the DRC. But to think of HH doing the same is premature, let’s just allow him to start and finish his second term peacefully. HH is a very responsible leader who cares for this country dearly, l don’t think he can think of going for a third term.
There is nothing that motivates HH to lead other than service to the nation. Here is a leader who surrenders his presidential salary to the needy. Contrast with Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, a millionaire who draws a presidential salary for himself. HH is too smart to seek a third term. At the end of his second term he will be barely 69 years and would as well choose to go back to his businesses full time and concentrate on his business empire. I am sure HH will like to be in the league of former presidents of Kenya and Botswana, Uhuru Kenyatta and Mokgeetsi Masisi respectively.