DR Congo: Tshisekedi signs new referendum law amid third-term fears

President Félix Tshisekedi has signed into law a measure easing the rules for holding constitutional referendums, sparking fears he could seek to extend his grip on power. The opposition calls it a move to cling to office. Tshisekedi's second and final term was due to end in 2028. The National Assembly and the Senate have adopted. The National Assembly and the Senate have passed and the President hereby enacts the following act. This act lays down the rules relating to the purpose, procedure, initiative and calling of a referendum. Article 2, a referendum, is a means of expressing the sovereignty of the people. It constitutes a mechanism for the direct consultation of the Congolese people, through which they exercise national sovereignty by voting yes or no on a specific text or issue. Opposition forces are uniting against Tshisekedi's bid to change the constitution and potentially secure a third term. Protests against what opponents call a constitutional coup have already rocked Kinshasa and other cities.