Thousands of people demonstrated on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Goma, North Kivu, and Bukavu, South Kivu, to protest a proposed constitutional revision attributed to Congolese authorities. The widespread demonstrations saw protesters vocally demanding the return of peace, advocating for an inclusive dialogue, and unequivocally rejecting any idea of "balkanization" of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These coordinated actions show deep-seated concerns among the populace regarding the nation's political trajectory and its territorial integrity.
In Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, tens of thousands of people mobilized in the main streets of the city, transforming thoroughfares into rivers of dissent. This massive turnout noted the significant public opposition to the alleged constitutional changes. Separately, in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, civil society organizations meticulously organized a peaceful march to express their collective opposition to a potential constitutional change. Participants in both cities vociferously denounced the alleged project to revise the Constitution, a move they fear could undermine democratic principles and exacerbate existing instability. The demonstrations, characterized by their scale and intensity, noted widespread concerns regarding the nation's political future and territorial integrity, serving as a powerful expression of citizen dissatisfaction.
Protesters' Demands and Grievances
The visual landscape of the protests was dominated by a multitude of signs and banners, each conveying urgent messages from the citizenry. In Bukavu, protesters carried signs prominently displaying messages such as "Nous voulons la paix" (We want peace), reflecting a profound yearning for stability in a region long plagued by conflict. Other signs declared "Non au changement de la Constitution" (No to changing the Constitution), directly addressing the core grievance that sparked the demonstrations. The slogan "Non à la balkanisation de la RDC" (No to the balkanization of the DRC) showed fears of national fragmentation and a strong commitment to preserving the country's unity.
Similarly, demonstrators in Goma displayed a variety of signs, which included calls like "Non au changement de la Constitution en RDC" (No to changing the Constitution in the DRC), reiterating the central demand against constitutional alterations. The banners also featured "Nous voulons la paix et une sécurité durable" (We want peace and lasting security), emphasizing the critical need for a stable environment. A particularly poignant message was "Non au retour de l’insécurité à Goma et dans les zones sous contrôle de l’AFC/M23" (No to the return of insecurity in Goma and in areas under the control of the AFC/M23), directly referencing the ongoing conflict and the presence of armed groups. These signs collectively painted a clear picture of the protesters' anxieties and their aspirations for a secure and unified Democratic Republic of Congo.
A central theme articulated by participants in the protests was the conviction that Congolese authorities should prioritize addressing pressing security, social, and economic issues over reforming the country's fundamental laws. Many argued that the nation's resources and political will should be directed towards alleviating the suffering of the population and stabilizing the volatile eastern regions. Some protesters went further, voicing explicit demands for the departure of President Félix Tshisekedi, asserting this as a necessary alternative to a constitutional modification they view as potentially destabilizing. The sentiment among these demonstrators was that a change in leadership might offer a more effective path to peace and development than tampering with the foundational legal framework.
Beyond national leadership, slogans were also directed against international actors, specifically the United Nations and its mission, MONUSCO. Protesters accused the mission of failing to effectively protect civilians in the region, a long-standing criticism that resonated deeply amidst the ongoing insecurity. The perception of MONUSCO's ineffectiveness fueled calls for its withdrawal or a significant re-evaluation of its mandate.
Additionally, some protesters publicly blamed the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) during the demonstrations, accusing them of various shortcomings or complicity in the region's troubles. However, these accusations against the FARDC were not supported by verifiable elements, and their validity remains a subject of contention. The sheer scale of participation was noted by organizers, who claimed that over 100,000 people participated in the demonstrations across both cities. This estimate regarding the number of participants could not be independently verified, but the visible crowds certainly indicated a substantial public turnout.
Context of Instability and Political Debate
These significant mobilizations occur in a context of intense and often heated debate regarding the institutional future of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the heart of this discussion is the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which explicitly limits the presidential mandate to five years, renewable once consecutively. This constitutional provision is a cornerstone of the country's democratic framework, designed to prevent the concentration of power and ensure regular transitions. Félix Tshisekedi was initially elected in December 2018 and subsequently re-elected in December 2023, currently serving his second and constitutionally final term. The political calendar dictates that the next presidential, national legislative, and provincial elections are scheduled to take place in December 2028, setting a clear timeline for the nation's political future under the current constitutional framework.
Adding significantly to the complexity and volatility of the political landscape, the strategically important cities of Goma and Bukavu, where these protests took place, have been under the control of the rebel coalition AFC/M23 since 2025. This occupation represents a critical challenge to the authority of the central government and a major source of instability in the eastern part of the country. The AFC/M23 is led by Corneille Nangaa, a figure well-known in Congolese politics, who previously served as the president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). His leadership of a major rebel group adds a complex dimension to the conflict, blurring lines between political and military objectives. The AFC/M23 advocates for the establishment of a federal state within the Democratic Republic of Congo, a demand that directly challenges the country's current unitary structure and fuels fears of "balkanization" among many citizens.
Congolese authorities have repeatedly and vehemently accused Rwanda of supporting the AFC/M23 rebellion, alleging that Kigali provides both logistical and military assistance to the insurgent group. This accusation is a persistent point of diplomatic tension between the two neighboring countries, with Kigali consistently denying any involvement. However, these denials stand in contrast to findings from international bodies. United Nations expert reports stated last year the troubling presence of between 5,000 and 7,000 Rwandan soldiers operating alongside the AFC/M23, providing substantial evidence that lends credence to the Congolese government's claims.
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to experience persistent and widespread armed violence, including devastating attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), another prominent and brutal armed group. This widespread insecurity further complicates the political environment, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty that profoundly impacts daily life. It also contributes significantly to the widespread calls for peace and stability by the population, as evidenced in the recent protests. The presence of multiple armed groups, the disputed control over key urban centers like Goma and Bukavu, and the regional geopolitical tensions show the immense challenges facing the Congolese government as it navigates both internal political debates and external security threats. The constitutional debate, therefore, unfolds amidst these volatile conditions, with citizens expressing profound concerns about the nation's future direction, its territorial integrity, and the fundamental right to peace and security.
Official Responses and Memoranda
Following the demonstration in Goma, organizers of the protests took a key step by submitting a memorandum to the head of the MONUSCO office in the city. This full document meticulously outlined the protesters' unequivocal opposition to any constitutional revision initiatives, articulating their concerns about the potential consequences of such changes. Beyond the constitutional issue, the memorandum also included specific and pressing demands concerning the deteriorating security situation in the eastern part of the country, urging the UN mission to take more effective action to protect civilians and restore stability.
Separately, in Bukavu, protesters concluded their march by proceeding to the South Kivu governorate, where they also formally submitted a memorandum detailing their grievances and demands. The governor of South Kivu, Patrick Busu Bwa Ngwi, personally received the memorandum and engaged directly with the demonstrators. Governor Busu Bwa Ngwi publicly acknowledged and saluted the peaceful nature of the demonstration, commending the citizens for exercising their rights in an orderly manner. He further committed to transmitting the concerns raised in the memorandum to the appropriate competent authorities for thorough review, indicating that the provincial administration would act as a conduit to convey the protesters' key message to higher levels of government, including the central administration in Kinshasa. This official reception and commitment offered a measure of reassurance to the demonstrators that their voices had been heard at the provincial level.