MWE Correspondent
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo fired tear gas and warning shots on Tuesday as hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Kinshasa to oppose proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
The demonstration, organised by the opposition-led C64 coalition, began peacefully in the capital before clashes broke out between protesters and supporters of the government. Reuters witnesses reported that stones were thrown and machetes were brandished during the confrontation, prompting police to intervene with tear gas and warning shots.
The C64 coalition, which includes opposition figures such as Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi and Delly Sesanga, had called for nationwide demonstrations against the proposed constitutional changes.
In Kinshasa, several hundred people joined the march carrying opposition party flags. Police deployed heavily along the planned route, while clashes between rival groups led to the dispersal of protesters. Africanews reported that at least two protesters were injured during the confrontation.
Protests were also reported in other parts of the country. In Lubumbashi, authorities had prohibited the demonstration, but activists gathered before police dispersed them using tear gas and warning shots. Several arrests were reported. In Mbandaka, around 100 activists were reportedly dispersed, with about 10 people arrested, according to an AFP journalist cited by Africanews.
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The political dispute centres on proposed changes to the country’s Constitution. The current Constitution limits a president to two five-year terms. Tshisekedi, who has been president since 2019 and was re-elected in 2023, is scheduled to complete his second term in 2028.
A bill adopted by parliament in June would allow constitutional changes to be put to a referendum. Tshisekedi has said he would be willing to seek another term if voters approve the changes in a referendum, while opponents argue that the process could undermine the existing presidential term limits.
The protests come only weeks after Tshisekedi announced plans for a national dialogue involving opposition parties, civil society organisations and religious leaders. The initiative was presented by the government as a way of addressing the country’s political and security challenges.
The latest demonstrations highlight the growing political tensions surrounding the constitutional debate as the country simultaneously faces insecurity in its eastern provinces and other national challenges.
President Félix Tshisekedi has called for a national dialogue aimed at easing political tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid growing opposition to proposed constitutional reforms.
The initiative, announced in August, is intended to bring together political parties, civil society groups and religious leaders to discuss the country’s political and security challenges. However, armed rebel groups controlling parts of eastern Congo were excluded from the proposed discussions.
The dialogue comes as opposition parties increasingly challenge proposed constitutional changes that critics say could create a pathway for Tshisekedi to seek a third presidential term.
The debate has intensified following parliamentary action that could eventually allow constitutional amendments to be submitted to voters through a referendum. The country’s current Constitution places a two-term limit on the presidency.
With the latest protests spreading beyond Kinshasa, the constitutional debate is becoming a major political issue ahead of Tshisekedi’s scheduled completion of his second term in 2028.
