Full Breakdown
Police Disperse Anti-Constitutional Change Demonstrations in the Democratic Republic of Congo
By Drooid · · How we work
Police Crackdown on Tuesday’s Protests
On Tuesday, police in Kinshasa and several other cities used tear-gas and warning shots to disperse hundreds of demonstrators opposing a constitutional amendment that could permit President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. The opposition coalition C64 organized the nationwide action, which also unfolded in Lubumbashi, Kindu, Uvira, Likasi, Kasumbalesa, Mbandaka and Kisangani. Reports indicate that at least ten people were arrested in Kinshasa, while activists in Haut-Katanga province said roughly 70 were detained. Additional arrests were noted in Mbandaka (about a dozen) and elsewhere, bringing the total to “dozens” according to local NGOs.
Context of the Proposed Amendment
Congo’s constitution currently limits presidents to two five-year terms. A bill passed by the National Assembly in June would allow constitutional changes to be submitted to a referendum, and members of Tshisekedi’s coalition have backed language that could let the president amend term-limit provisions in the event of a “major dysfunction.” Critics argue the change is designed to enable Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019 and is due to finish his second term in 2028, to run again. The protests occur amid a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak and ongoing armed conflict in the eastern provinces, including clashes with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Official Statements & Responses
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya defended the right to protest but said it must be exercised “properly,” condemning the opposition for “disrupting activities” and alleging false claims about school closures. Provincial police commander General Blaise Kilimbalimba asserted that “peaceful” demonstrators had not been arrested, contradicting activist accounts. In Katanga, Blaise Kilimbalimba (provincial commander) dismissed reports of arrests, while the provincial coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Joseph Kongolo, described a large police presence at gathering points.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition leader Martin Fayulu described the police action as a “massacre,” claiming the state was working with a political-party militia. Mohamed Eyenga, senior figure in the Envol party and C64 coalition, said, “Many of our activists were unfortunately and arbitrarily arrested.” Jean-Marc Kabund alleged that members of the pro-government youth movement Force for Progress attacked protesters with machetes, prompting police intervention. Fayulu indicated the coalition is considering an international complaint over the violence.
Verbatim Quote
- “Many of our activists were unfortunately and arbitrarily arrested,” — Mohamed Eyenga
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are scheduled to meet in Geneva on September 16 and 17 to discuss implementation of the 2025 Washington Accords, a diplomatic effort that will unfold as the country grapples with political unrest, health crises, and eastern-region conflict.