Constitution? What constitution?

Burundi’s president, Pierre Nkurunziza triggered violent street protests when he announced his plan to run for a third presidential term. At least 72 people have been killed in street clashes, according to initial reports, with many more injured.

Next door in the DRC, president Joseph Kabila also triggered protests when he expressed a desire to alter the country’s constitution to allow him to contest for a third term. At least 42 people were killed by security forces in protests earlier this year.

To the North of Burundi, Rwandan president Paul Kagame has expressed ‘openness’ to the idea of altering the small country’s constitution to allow him to extend his current presidential term.

Despite attempts to enforce continent-wide policy on term limits, it seems likely that the leaders will proceed with their plans.

In this week’s cartoon, Waza cartoonist, Meddy Jumanne wonders; could this be the one thing they have in common?

Be sure to check out Waza blogger Philani Nyoni’s take on Robert Mugabe’s pan-Africanist reputation, and don’t miss a Rwandan’s letter to his Burundian counterparts in the wake of street protests.