Mass Protests Erupt in Congo Capital as Citizens Demand President Tshisekedi Step Down Amid Territorial Losses

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is witnessing a surge of public unrest as thousands of citizens took to the streets of the capital, expressing outrage over the country’s deteriorating security situation and the ongoing loss of national territory.

The demonstrators, representing a cross-section of Congolese society, called for the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, accusing his administration of failing to safeguard the nation’s borders while armed groups continue to seize large areas of land.

Carrying banners and chanting slogans, protesters denounced what they described as ineffective governance, weak leadership, and a lack of decisive measures against insurgent factions destabilizing the eastern regions of the country.

“The land we live on is being taken away day by day, and nothing changes,” one participant said. Many voiced concerns about displacement, destroyed livelihoods, and living under constant fear as insecurity spreads. Observers say the government in the capital appears detached from the realities faced by affected communities.

The demonstrations highlight mounting public dissatisfaction and political pressure on President Tshisekedi, whose administration is increasingly criticized for security lapses, humanitarian challenges, and the inability to restore stability in conflict-prone areas.

Authorities have deployed security personnel across strategic points in the capital to monitor the protests and prevent violence, though tensions remain high. Analysts warn that unrest could escalate further if the government does not respond to citizens’ demands.

The protests unfold at a critical juncture for the DRC, as the country contends with armed uprisings, territorial encroachments, and broader regional instability, raising pressing questions about national unity, governance, and the leadership’s capacity to protect its citizens.

With demonstrations ongoing, attention is now firmly focused on President Tshisekedi and how his government will address growing calls for accountability, stronger leadership, and the restoration of Congo’s territorial integrity.