Protests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have resulted in violent clashes as police intervened. On Tuesday, police used tear gas against hundreds of demonstrators in the capital Kinshasa, who were protesting against proposed constitutional changes that critics fear could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. This political unrest coincides with the DRC's ongoing challenges, including a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak and persistent conflict in the eastern regions of the country.
At least 10 individuals were arrested during the protests, which also occurred in Lubumbashi, a significant mining center in the southeast, and Uvira, despite restrictions imposed by authorities. The demonstrations were organized as part of a nationwide day of action by the “C64” coalition, formed by opposition groups to oppose Tshisekedi's constitutional amendments.
Mohamed Eyenga, a senior member of the Envol opposition party and part of the C64 coalition, stated, “Many of our activists were unfortunately and arbitrarily arrested.” He expressed surprise at the extensive deployment of military and police forces aimed at preventing what he described as a peaceful demonstration.
In contrast, provincial police commander General Blaise Kilimbalimba claimed that no peaceful demonstrators had been arrested. Currently, the DRC's constitution limits presidential terms to two five-year periods.
In June, the DRC parliament passed a bill permitting constitutional changes to be submitted for a referendum, with members of Tshisekedi's coalition supporting amendments that would allow him to extend his time in office. Opposition parties and the influential Catholic Church have criticized the proposal.
The unrest follows Tshisekedi's announcement three weeks prior regarding plans for a national dialogue involving opposition parties, civil society groups, and religious leaders, although the M23 and other rebel groups controlling parts of eastern DRC would be excluded from these discussions. The ongoing conflict in the resource-rich eastern region has been a long-standing issue, with renewed fighting reported in 2024.
Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda denies. Officials from the DRC and Rwanda are scheduled to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 16 and 17 to discuss the implementation of the 2025 Washington Accords. The conflict has further complicated the DRC's efforts to address the Ebola outbreak, which is currently the worst on record, spreading across the conflict-affected eastern and northern regions where state presence is minimal and health infrastructure is inadequate.