Clashes Erupt in Kinshasa Over Proposed Constitutional Changes

Opposition supporters and police clash during anti-government protests in Kinshasa over proposed constitutional changes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Violent clashes broke out in the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, on Friday as opposition supporters protested against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office. The demonstration, organised by the opposition coalition C64, was disrupted after protesters clashed with pro-government supporters outside Parliament. Police intervened using tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The unrest comes as the DRC continues to grapple with multiple challenges, including an Ebola outbreak and escalating insecurity in the east of the country, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group remains active alongside numerous armed factions competing for control of territory and resources. President Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019, is serving his second five-year term, which is due to end in 2028. He has previously indicated that he would consider seeking a third term if such a move received approval through a national referendum.

Under the current Congolese Constitution, presidential term limits cannot be amended. However, a bill currently before the National Assembly would permit constitutional changes in cases of what it describes as a “major dysfunction” that paralyses state institutions, potentially following a referendum.

The proposal has united several opposition parties under the Coalition Article 64 (C64), formed in May to resist any attempt to alter presidential term limits. Opposition leaders argue that the proposed amendments pose a serious threat to democratic governance and political stability.

Friday's protest descended into violence before police moved in to restore order. Among those injured was opposition leader Martin Fayulu, who finished second in the disputed 2018 presidential election. Images shared on his official social media platforms showed him with blood visible around his eyes and on his shirt collar as supporters assisted him through the crowd.

Authorities had not immediately released details on the number of injuries or arrests resulting from the clashes. The proposed constitutional changes are expected to remain a major source of political tension as debate continues in Parliament.

DRC protests