Facing regional mediation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s opposition bloc C64 has pushed back its planned nationwide demonstrations to July 22. The delay comes after Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, serving as the current chair of the African Union, launched a dialogue effort aimed at easing political tensions.
C64 alleges that President Félix Tshisekedi is leveraging a proposed constitutional referendum to scrap presidential term limits and clear a path to a third term—claims the government rejects. In June, parliament approved legislation setting the legal basis for a referendum that could open the door to constitutional reform.
