KINSHASA — Delly Sesanga, an opposition leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stated on Monday that his passport was confiscated and he was banned from leaving the country after attempting to depart from Kinshasa airport. Sesanga heads the Envol party and is a former minister and lawmaker.

Sesanga stated he went to Kinshasa airport on Sunday, where officials at the border checkpoint confiscated his passport and informed him he was not allowed to leave. He said he was told to take the matter up with the judicial system and received no further explanation.

Sesanga is a leading member of a coalition opposing changes to the constitution aimed at allowing the president to remain in power. "It's intimidation and a form of arbitrariness," Sesanga said. "I haven't received any information about any proceedings that may have been brought against me." He also stated he was traveling to Europe for medical reasons, noting he was hurt in the legs during a recent demonstration.

The parliament of the Democratic Republic of Congo adopted a bill earlier this month on the organization of a referendum on constitutional reform. President Felix Tshisekedi's second and final five-year mandate under current rules concludes in December 2028. Tshisekedi is 63 years old.

An opposition rally took place in Kinshasa on June 12 to protest what was described as an attempted constitutional coup. Security forces suppressed the rally. Several opposition figures, including Sesanga, sustained injuries during clashes with pro-government activists and police on that date. The office of the UN human rights chief condemned the death of at least one demonstrator.

Sesanga is part of the C64 (Coalition Article 64), which was formed in May to oppose the presidential move. Another rally is planned for July 8. A judicial source stated that a judicial investigation against Sesanga is currently underway.