Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Thousands Protest in Congo Against Third Term
Thousands of people in the cities of Goma and Bukavu in eastern Congo protested against changes to the constitution that might let President Felix Tshisekedi run for a third term.
The protesters held signs saying 'No to constitutional change' and 'No to a third term.'
They also asked the U.N. to lift sanctions on a rebel leader and his group.
The government said the rebels made people join the protests, but the rebels didn't comment.
The protests happened even though there's a ban on gatherings to stop the spread of Ebola, which the rebels say is not a problem in the areas they control.
Thousands protested in Goma and Bukavu against constitutional changes that could allow President Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Protesters called for the lifting of U.N. sanctions on AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa and the group.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accused rebels of forcing residents to join the demonstrations.
Protests occurred under police supervision despite a ban on gatherings to curb Ebola.
Rebel leaders declared territories under their control Ebola-free last month.
- Who
- Thousands of protesters in Goma and Bukavu
- What
- Protests against proposed constitutional changes that could allow President Tshisekedi to seek a third term
- When
- July 28
- Where
- Goma and Bukavu, eastern Congo
- Why
- To oppose constitutional changes and call for the lifting of sanctions on AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa
Protesters
Government
Constitutional Changes
Protesters
Protesters oppose constitutional changes that could allow President Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Government
The government has approved a bill that could lead to constitutional changes.
Rebel Involvement
Protesters
Protesters call for the lifting of sanctions on AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa and the group.
Government
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accuses rebels of forcing residents to join the demonstrations.
- Location
- Goma and Bukavu, eastern Congo
- Date
- July 28
- Protesters' Demands
- No to constitutional change, no to a third term, lift sanctions on AFC/M23 leader
- Government Response
- Accused rebels of forcing residents to join demonstrations
- Ebola Situation
- Rebel leaders declared territories under their control Ebola-free last month