Dozens of people have been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo following protests against proposed constitutional changes that opponents say could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
The demonstrations, organised by the opposition Coalition Article 64, C64, took place on Tuesday in Kinshasa and several other cities, including Lubumbashi and Uvira, as protesters rallied against changes to the country’s constitutional framework.
In Kinshasa, hundreds of demonstrators initially marched peacefully before clashes erupted between protesters and pro-government supporters. Police responded with tear gas and warning shots to disperse the crowds, while arrests were also reported.
The protests centre on a proposed constitutional overhaul that critics say could allow Tshisekedi to seek another term. Under the current constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms, with Tshisekedi’s second term due to end in 2028.
The country’s Senate adopted a bill in June that could pave the way for constitutional changes to be put to a referendum. Tshisekedi has indicated support for allowing Congolese voters to decide on the proposed constitutional changes.
The C64 coalition, which brings together several opposition forces, has rejected the proposed changes and called for nationwide action against any move that could alter the existing presidential term limits.
The latest protests come amid broader political and security pressures in the DRC, including the conflict in the east and restrictions on mass gatherings linked to the country’s ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Opposition leaders have condemned the police response, while government officials have maintained that demonstrations must comply with the law.
With the constitutional debate gathering momentum, the protests have intensified scrutiny of Tshisekedi’s plans and the political process that could determine whether the country’s current presidential term limits remain unchanged.
