DR Congo: Dozens gather for 'standing parliament' in Kinshasa

Dozens of people gathered in Kinshasa this week at a so-called "standing parliament," in a street-level political display that AFP says is being tied to the broader debate over constitutional change in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to AFP, the group chanted pro-government slogans and was seen as part of efforts to build support for possible constitutional revision and a potential third term for President Felix Tshisekedi.

The gathering comes against a backdrop of a long-running political debate in the DRC. Tshisekedi has previously said that a commission would be set up to reflect on the constitution, and he has publicly said no one would change his view on constitutional revision or change.

AFP also quoted a senior official from Tshisekedi's party, UDPS, saying no instructions are given to the so-called standing parliaments and describing them as informal party structures.

The street meeting is taking place in a city where authorities have already been sensitive to political gatherings. In January, the National Assembly in Kinshasa banned rallies inside the Palais du Peuple, citing the need to preserve neutrality.

The latest scene in Kinshasa does not settle the constitutional debate, but it shows that the issue remains active and politically charged. The next sign to watch is whether Tshisekedi or his allies issue a more formal statement on the reported push.