Lead
The Democratic Republic of Congo's main opposition coalition has postponed a protest after President Félix Tshisekedi announced the imminent launch of a national dialogue, a move cautiously welcomed as a possible opening in the country's deepening political stand-off.
The C64 platform, which brings together several opposition parties, had called for a major mobilisation on July 22 in Kinshasa to demand Tshisekedi's resignation and to oppose constitutional changes that could give him a third term in office. However, following a request from the country's influential Catholic and Protestant churches, the coalition agreed to call off the demonstration.
Coverage Comparison
Reports diverge on the reasons behind the postponement. AllAfrica reports that the C64 platform called off the demonstration following a request from the churches, which have been asked to facilitate a national dialogue announced by Tshisekedi after a meeting on 17 July with representatives of the DRC's main religious denominations.
Africa News, by contrast, attributes the delay to an invitation from African Union chief President Evariste Ndayishimiye to take part in consultations. The two accounts are not necessarily contradictory but reflect different emphasis on the sequence of events.
Both outlets agree that the opposition has not abandoned its demand for the president to renounce plans to change the constitution, and that no further action is planned until mid-August unless the government engages in what the opposition considers a provocation.
Key Claims
Opposition leaders called for Tshisekedi's resignation and a large-scale protest against constitutional changes that could give him a third term. The C64 grouping called for a major mobilisation on July 22, according to both sources.
Tshisekedi, who has been in power since 2019, is expected to complete his second and final five-year term in 2028. Elections are about two years away. The constitution currently limits presidents to two terms, but members of the presidential majority have backed referendum legislation that could pave the way for amendments, fuelling opposition concerns that Tshisekedi may extend his time in office.
The C64 platform has given Tshisekedi and the churches until 15 August to convene the national dialogue. Key details, such as who will attend, where talks will be held, and the exact role of religious mediators, remain unresolved. The dialogue is officially expected to be inclusive and open to all Congolese.
An opposition rally in Kinshasa on June 12 was marred by clashes with pro-government counter-demonstrators and police, wounding several people. Human Rights Watch condemned the security forces' use of excessive force against protesters, including teargas and batons.
Perspectives
Government and Presidential Majority: President Tshisekedi announced the national dialogue following a meeting with religious leaders, indicating a willingness to engage in an inclusive process. The presidential majority has backed referendum legislation, which they argue could allow constitutional adjustments, though the president has not yet decided whether to sign the bill into law.
Opposition (C64): The coalition says it remains mobilised and will continue until the president publicly abandons plans to change the constitution. Opposition figures Jean-Marc Kabund and Delly Sesanga have emphasised that waiting is out of the question and that mobilisation will continue.