Issue and Opponent: In the wake of the 2014 Burkinabé uprising, the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced a series of protests in which Congolese citizens demanded that President Joseph Kabila not alter the presidential term limits in the country’s constitution so that he could run for another term in office and not delay the country’s planned elections. On 20 December 2016, the President announced that he would not leave office, despite the end of his constitutional term. Protests subsequently broke out across the country. The government blocked social media in response to the protests, and violence from security forces left dozens dead.
Dilemma Action: Despite earlier government crackdowns, protesters took to the streets in Kinshasa, holding red penalty cards (analogous to the cards used in football/soccer – reprimanding or penalizing Kabila for his refusal to step down) and blowing whistles, signifying the end of Kabila’s term in office and their desire for him to leave power. The government reacted violently, both to these specific protests and to other protests happening throughout the country; dozens were killed and injured, and hundreds were arrested. These events drew widespread international attention. The demonstrations were organized by the Lay Coordination Committee of the DRC, a group backed by many priests and bishops in the majority-Catholic country.
Outcomes: Under a deal mediated by the church between Kabila and his opponents, the President was to step down, paving the way for a new election. However, he reneged, and the poll had been repeatedly delayed. The elections were held on 30 December 2018. Felix Tshisekedi, an opposition leader, was elected President, however, he paid tribute to Kabila, which generated new protests.