DRC Police Disperse Protests Against Potential Third Term for Tshisekedi

Opposition demonstrations against potential constitutional amendments in the Democratic Republic of Congo were met with force by police on Tuesday. In the capital, Kinshasa, Reuters witnesses reported the deployment of tear gas and warning shots as authorities moved to disperse crowds.

The protests were organized by the C64 coalition, an opposition group associated with former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, and Delly Sesanga. This follows a similarly dispersed protest by the coalition in June.

In Kinshasa, while the protest was initially authorized and began peacefully, clashes erupted between opposition supporters and pro-government individuals. Both groups reportedly engaged in stone-throwing and brandished machetes, leading to police intervention.

Similar protests occurred in Lubumbashi and Uvira, where local authorities had officially prohibited gatherings. Despite the bans, demonstrators took to the streets but were quickly dispersed.

These demonstrations come weeks after President Tshisekedi announced a plan for a national dialogue, intended to address the country’s political issues. However, opposition parties and the influential Catholic Church have voiced strong opposition to proposed constitutional changes. The current Congolese constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, but a bill passed in June allows for constitutional amendments to be decided by referendum. Members of Tshisekedi’s coalition have openly supported changes that could enable him to extend his time in office.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/congo-police-break-up-protests-against-proposed-constitutional-changes-5596708