DR Congo Police Disperse Protests Over Proposed Constitutional Changes

Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo dispersed opposition-led protests in several cities on September 15 as demonstrators challenged proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Reuters witnesses reported tear gas and warning shots during the demonstrations in Kinshasa. The protests were organised by the C64 opposition coalition, which is linked to former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi and Delly Sesanga. Several hundred people gathered in Kinshasa, where the demonstration had been authorised and initi

Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo dispersed opposition-led protests in several cities on September 15 as demonstrators challenged proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Reuters witnesses reported tear gas and warning shots during the demonstrations in Kinshasa. The protests were organised by the C64 opposition coalition, which is linked to former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi and Delly Sesanga. Several hundred people gathered in Kinshasa, where the demonstration had been authorised and initially proceeded peacefully before clashes broke out between protesters and supporters of the government. Reuters witnesses said both sides threw stones and some demonstrators carried machetes, prompting police to intervene and disperse the crowd. Demonstrations also took place in Lubumbashi and Uvira despite being prohibited by local authorities, according to witnesses. The protests come amid a wider political debate over proposed changes to Congo’s constitution. The country’s current constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms. Parliament adopted a bill in June allowing constitutional amendments to be put to a referendum, while members of Tshisekedi’s governing coalition have supported changes that could enable him to remain in office. Opposition parties and the Catholic Church have criticised the proposed changes, while Tshisekedi has separately called for a national dialogue involving opposition parties, civil society groups and religious leaders. The planned dialogue excludes rebel groups controlling parts of eastern Congo. The demonstrations mark another point of tension in the country as authorities face political disagreements alongside ongoing insecurity in the east. The latest protests also follow an earlier C64 demonstration in Kinshasa in June that was dispersed by security forces.