Delly Sesanga, the leader of the Envol party and a former government minister, reported that authorities prevented him from exiting the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday. Upon arriving at the airport, immigration officials seized his passport and informed him that a travel ban had been placed on him, citing judicial matters without providing specific details. Sesanga characterized the move as a clear attempt at intimidation.
As a prominent member of the C64 coalition, Sesanga has been a vocal critic of proposed constitutional amendments that could potentially allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term beyond the current 2028 limit. The coalition views these legislative efforts as a constitutional coup. Following a June 12 demonstration in Kinshasa where he suffered leg injuries during confrontations with police and counter-protesters, Sesanga stated he was attempting to travel to Europe for medical treatment when he was detained.
While judicial sources mentioned to local media that an active investigation into the opposition leader is underway, Sesanga maintains he has not been notified of any formal legal proceedings. The situation underscores the heightening political friction in the DRC regarding potential changes to the national charter.
