DR Congo protests against proposed constitutional changes turned tense in Kinshasa after opposition supporters clashed with pro-government activists.
Police fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse the crowd during the demonstration.
The protests were organised by C64, an opposition coalition campaigning against proposed changes to the country’s Constitution.
Opposition challenges proposed constitutional changes
The demonstrations took place in Kinshasa and other cities across the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Opposition groups fear that the proposed changes could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Tshisekedi has been in office since 2019. His current second term is expected to end in 2028.
The Constitution currently bars changes to presidential term limits.
However, a bill before the National Assembly could create a possible route for amendments under certain conditions.
The proposed changes have raised concerns among opposition parties.
They argue that the move could threaten political stability in the country.
Police disperse protesters in Kinshasa
The Kinshasa demonstration reportedly began peacefully.
Tensions rose after opposition supporters and pro-government activists clashed.
Police then moved in to break up the gathering.
Officers used tear gas and warning shots as protesters were dispersed.
Opposition leader Martin Fayulu accused security forces of working with political groups.
He also described the police response as violent.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, however, criticised the opposition for allegedly spreading misinformation.
He said the right to protest was recognised by the Constitution but must be exercised lawfully.
C64 opposes possible third-term bid
The C64 coalition was formed in May by opposition parties that had previously been divided.
The group has since campaigned against constitutional changes that could benefit the President.
Its members have described the proposed amendments as a serious threat to the country’s stability.
The latest protest was not the first time authorities had disrupted an opposition gathering.
A similar demonstration in Kinshasa in June was also dispersed by police.
Several people, including Fayulu, were reportedly injured during that earlier protest.
DR Congo faces wider national challenges
The political tensions come as the country faces several other major challenges.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is dealing with an Ebola outbreak and an ongoing conflict in its eastern provinces.
The region has also experienced continued fighting involving the M23 rebel group and other armed organisations.
Against this background, opposition parties have warned that constitutional changes could deepen the country’s problems.
For now, the debate over presidential term limits remains a major source of political tension in the country.
Source: GhanaWeb
