DRC: Opposition protest possible third term bid by Kabila

Opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo hit the streets of Lumumbashi to protest the uncertain political future of the incumbent president, Joseph Kabila, who it is believed could be planning to run for a third term.

They have indicated the need for the Head of State to vacate his seat before the end of his mandate in December.

The crowd was dispersed by the police and the situation has caused a tense atmosphere in the country.

But security officials have reassured the population that the situation is under control.

The opposition suspects that regime officials carried out acts of vandalism at the premises of an opposition party on Tuesday.

#DRC police in Lubumbashi fire tear gas to break up 5,000-strong protest against Kabila's third term aspirations https://t.co/C1qEgb9zjT

— Mark Anderson (@MarkC_Anderson) April 20, 2016

The relationship between the regime and the opposition remains strained despite a UN resolution and mediation efforts by the African Union.

Some opposition parties have boycotted the dialogue claiming it could bring little change to the status quo.

Joseph Kabila became president in 2001 and won disputed elections in 2006 and 2011. The constitution bars him from another term in office.

AFP