Opposition leader Delly Sesanga has accused authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of political intimidation after he was reportedly prevented from leaving the country and had his passport confiscated.

Sesanga, leader of the Envol party, said immigration officials stopped him at the airport on Sunday, seized his passport and informed him that he was prohibited from travelling abroad.

According to the opposition politician, officials directed him to seek clarification through the judicial system but did not provide any explanation for the travel restriction.

“It’s intimidation and a form of arbitrariness,” Sesanga told AFP, adding that he had not been informed of any legal proceedings against him.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed the incident.

Congolese media, quoting a judicial source, reported that an investigation involving Sesanga is currently under way, although authorities have not publicly disclosed details of the alleged case.

Sesanga said he had been travelling to Europe to receive medical treatment after sustaining injuries to his legs during an opposition protest in the capital, Kinshasa.

The former minister and lawmaker is a leading figure in the C64 (Coalition Article 64), an alliance of opposition groups formed in May to resist proposed constitutional reforms that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek another term in office.

Earlier this month, the Congolese Parliament approved legislation to organise a referendum on constitutional reform, a move that has intensified political tensions in the country.

Opposition parties argue that the proposed amendments could pave the way for Tshisekedi, 63, to extend his stay in office beyond the end of his second and, under the current Constitution, final five-year term in December 2028.

On June 12, opposition supporters staged a rally in Kinshasa to protest what they described as an attempted “constitutional coup.” The demonstration was dispersed by security forces and clashes with pro-government supporters left several opposition figures, including Sesanga, injured.

The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also condemned the violence, reporting that at least one demonstrator was killed during the unrest.

Opposition groups have announced plans to hold another protest on July 8 as resistance to the proposed constitutional changes continues to grow.