KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo dispersed opposition-led demonstrations in several cities on Tuesday as protesters opposed proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Reuters witnesses reported that police used tear gas and fired warning shots during the demonstrations in the capital, Kinshasa. Protests were also reported in Lubumbashi and Uvira, where local authorities had prohibited the gatherings.
The demonstrations were organised by the C64 opposition coalition, which is linked to former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi and Delly Sesanga.
Protesters Clash With Police in Kinshasa
Several hundred people took part in the demonstration in Kinshasa, according to Reuters witnesses.
The protest had been authorised and initially proceeded peacefully before clashes broke out between protesters and supporters of the government.
Witnesses reported that both sides threw stones and carried machetes, prompting police to intervene with tear gas and warning shots.
In Lubumbashi and Uvira, protesters proceeded with demonstrations despite local prohibitions, but the gatherings were quickly dispersed, according to witnesses.
A similar C64 demonstration in Kinshasa in June was also violently dispersed by security forces.
Constitutional Changes Fuel Political Tensions
The demonstrations centre on proposed changes to Congo’s constitution.
Critics of the proposed reforms argue that changes to the constitutional framework could remove restrictions that currently prevent Tshisekedi from seeking a third presidential term.
Under the current constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms.
The issue has become a major source of political tension as Tshisekedi’s administration considers changes to the country’s constitutional framework.
Parliament Approves Referendum Bill
Congo’s parliament adopted a bill in June that would allow constitutional changes to be submitted to voters in a referendum.
Members of Tshisekedi’s governing coalition have subsequently supported changes that critics say could allow him to remain in office beyond the current two-term limit.
The proposed reforms have also drawn opposition from the Catholic Church, which has raised concerns about changes to the constitutional order.
The government has not presented the proposed changes as a means of extending Tshisekedi’s presidency, and the political debate remains centred on what the reforms would ultimately change.
Tshisekedi Calls for National Dialogue
The protests came about three weeks after Tshisekedi announced plans for a national dialogue aimed at addressing the country’s political challenges.
The proposed talks are expected to bring together opposition parties, civil society organisations and religious leaders.
However, the dialogue will exclude rebel groups controlling territory in eastern Congo. Tshisekedi has presented the initiative as a means of addressing political tensions and finding solutions to the country’s challenges.
Opposition groups have continued to challenge the government’s approach to the political crisis, particularly over the proposed constitutional reforms.
Opposition Leaders Mobilise Against Reforms
The C64 coalition brings together political forces associated with Fayulu, Katumbi and Sesanga.
The opposition says the constitutional debate requires close public scrutiny, particularly because of its potential implications for presidential term limits.
Tuesday’s demonstrations represent another escalation in the political dispute following the June protests in Kinshasa.
The latest crackdown is likely to keep attention focused on how authorities handle demonstrations as the debate over constitutional reform continues.
