Congo police disperse protests over constitutional amendment that could extend president's rule
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo broke up opposition rallies in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Uvira, using tear gas and warning shots as demonstrators opposed a constitutional amendment that may allow President Felix Tshisekedi a third term.
Opposition groups under the C64 coalition, associated with former candidates Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi and Delly Sesanga, staged protests in several Congolese cities against a constitutional amendment that could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to run for a third term. In Kinshasa, an authorized march turned violent after stone-throwing and machete brandishing by both protesters and pro-government supporters, prompting police to deploy tear gas and fire warning shots.
Similar demonstrations in Lubumbashi and Uvira, despite being officially prohibited, were swiftly broken up by security forces. The unrest comes three weeks after Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue intended to address political challenges, a process that deliberately omits rebel factions controlling parts of eastern Congo. Opposition parties and the influential Catholic Church have condemned the amendment, arguing it undermines the constitution's two-term limit. Parliament had earlier passed a bill allowing constitutional changes to be decided by referendum, and members of the president's coalition have backed the proposal that could keep him in power.
Why it matters
The protests highlight deep political tensions over potential changes to Congo's constitution that could extend the president's tenure.
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