Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo used tear gas to disperse opposition protests on Tuesday against proposed constitutional changes that critics fear could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Hundreds joined the authorised demonstration in Kinshasa, which began peacefully before clashes broke out between opposition protesters and pro-government supporters. Reuters witnesses reported tear gas and warning shots as police cleared the gathering. Demonstrations organised by the Coalition Article 64, or C64, were also held in other cities, including Lubumbashi and Kindu.
Opposition leader Martin Fayulu accused the authorities of working with governing-party activists and said he had survived a dangerous confrontation. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya criticised organisers for disrupting public activity, while saying the constitution recognises the right to protest when it is exercised lawfully.
The dispute centres on legislation before the National Assembly that would permit amendments to constitutional provisions if a “major dysfunction” paralysed state institutions, potentially following a referendum. Congo’s constitution currently bars revision of presidential term limits.
Tshisekedi, who has been president since 2019, is serving his second five-year term, which ends in 2028. He has said he would be willing to seek another term if voters approved it in a referendum. His opponents say the proposed changes threaten the country’s stability and could provide a route around the existing limit.
The protests took place while Congo is also dealing with a major Ebola outbreak and continuing conflict with M23 rebels and other armed groups in the east. Restrictions on large gatherings linked to the outbreak were in force, although local authorities and the opposition had agreed on a route for the Kinshasa march.
Sources: The Associated Press, 15 September 2026; Reuters; Radio Okapi.