KINSHASA, Congo — On Wednesday, leaders from various opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo initiated a call for nationwide demonstrations against President Felix Tshisekedi’s proposal to create a new constitution.

Last month, Tshisekedi revealed plans for a national commission to begin drafting a new constitution in the upcoming year, triggering alarms among opposition members regarding the potential alteration of presidential term limitations.

Prominent figures from the opposition, including former President Joseph Kabila alongside other presidential candidates like Martin Fayulu and Moise Katumbi, have united in calling for protests against the president’s intentions.

Shadary Ramazani, representative for Kabila’s party, shared concerns on behalf of the opposition, emphasizing that the constitution was initially designed to avert “authoritarian drifts” and ensure “democratic transitions of power.”

Tshisekedi was reelected in December, but these election results faced skepticism from opposition leaders. Throughout his first term, he has been focused on establishing legitimacy following a contested election in 2018, all while working to resolve ongoing armed conflicts in the eastern region of the country.

In recent months, the President has expressed dissatisfaction with the existing constitution, which was ratified via referendum in 2006, labeling it as “outdated.” This has raised significant apprehension among opposition factions that Tshisekedi may attempt to revise the two-term limit of five years each in order to extend his time in office.

Additionally, Tshisekedi has criticized the slow pace of government formation, a process that can take months post-elections, and pointed to existing tensions between provincial governors and assemblies as justification for the need for a new constitution.

He maintains that any modification to the presidential term limit should ultimately be determined by the electorate, asserting that the decision does not rest solely in the president’s hands.

Experts indicate that while Tshisekedi has the authority to propose constitutional changes, such alterations would require the endorsement of 60% of parliament members or must be validated through a public referendum.