Congo Senate Approves Constitutional Change Bill

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo has adopted a bill that could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office, a move that opposition parties have condemned as a power grab. The legislation, which passed with 89 votes in favor and 20 abstentions, would allow for a referendum on a new constitution that would effectively reset the presidential term limits. This follows a previous approval by the National Assembly and now awaits President Tshisekedi's signature. Opposition leaders, including Martin Fayulu, have denounced the bill, with Fayulu stating that Tshisekedi has betrayed his oath to respect the constitution. The coalition C64, formed by major opposition parties, has called for a march on July 8 to demand the president's resignation. The vote occurred after recent violent clashes at a protest against the bill in the capital, Kinshasa, which resulted in injuries to several opposition figures. Senate President Jean-Michel Sama Lukondé, however, hailed the vote as a framework for the Congolese people to exercise their sovereignty.