Opposition protests against constitutional change face clashes and restrictions across DRC
Kinshasa — Thousands of opposition supporters marched in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital on Tuesday against proposed constitutional reforms that critics say could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to run for a third term.
The C64 coalition organized nationwide demonstrations coinciding with the opening of parliament’s September session. In Kinshasa, organizers and provincial authorities agreed on a modified route that avoided the Palais du Peuple. A procession of roughly 5,000 people left Échangeur de Limete after noon, moving along Boulevard Lumumba toward Boulevard Triomphal near the ECiDé party headquarters of opposition leader Martin Fayulu. Police escorted the column and traffic was disrupted on parts of the route.
Tensions flared in Limete around the 10th–12th streets, near the headquarters of the ruling UDPS party. Youth affiliated with UDPS, including members of the Force du Progrès, set up barriers. Confrontations broke out, with reports of stone-throwing between the two sides. Police fired tear gas to separate the groups and interrupt sections of the march. Videos from the scene showed face-offs and the use of gas as the procession attempted to advance.
Outside the capital, authorities took a harder line. Police used tear gas and made arrests to prevent or quickly break up planned gatherings in Kananga, Lubumbashi, Uvira, Mbandaka, Bandundu, Kikwit and Kisangani. Some local officials cited security or public-order concerns; opposition organizers called the bans unconstitutional.
The C64, which unites parties led by Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, Jean-Marc Kabund and others, accuses the government of using dialogue and referendum proposals to weaken term-limit protections. Tshisekedi’s camp and the UDPS have framed a newly launched national dialogue as a path to peace and cohesion while rejecting accusations of an agenda for a third term.
The Kinshasa march continued in parts toward its planned endpoint Tuesday afternoon under heavy security. Reports from the ground remained mixed as events unfolded.
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