Congo police disperse demonstrations opposing suggested amendments to the constitution

Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo broke up opposition protests in multiple cities on Tuesday regarding proposed constitutional changes. Critics argue that these changes could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to pursue a third term. Reuters witnesses reported the use of tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa.

The opposition C64 coalition, associated with former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, and Delly Sesanga, organized the demonstrations. In June, security personnel forcefully broke up a prior protest organized by C64 in the capital Kinshasa.

According to two Reuters witnesses, several hundred individuals participated in the protest in Kinshasa. In the cities of Lubumbashi and Uvira, local authorities officially prohibited protests; however, they proceeded regardless and were swiftly dispersed, according to two other witnesses.

The protest in Kinshasa was authorized and commenced peacefully; however, clashes erupted between protesters and pro-government supporters. According to two witnesses from Reuters, both parties engaged in throwing stones and wielding machetes, which led to the intervention of the police.

The protests arise three weeks following Tshisekedi's announcement of a national dialog aimed at uniting opposition parties, civil society groups, and religious leaders, while notably excluding rebels who hold sway over certain regions of eastern Congo.

He has introduced the dialog as a means to tackle the political challenges facing the country. Opposition parties and the influential Catholic Church have denounced the proposed constitutional amendments that may enable Tshisekedi to pursue a third term.

Congo's constitution restricts presidents to a maximum of two five-year terms.

In June, Parliament passed a bill permitting constitutional changes to be presented in a referendum, with members of Tshisekedi's coalition supporting modifications that would enable him to stay in office.