Key facts
- Congolese security forces dispersed protesters in Kinshasa.
- Demonstrators opposed planned constitutional changes that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi a third term.
- Protests turned violent with the use of tear gas and live ammunition by security forces.
- Several protesters, including political figures, were reportedly injured.
- The demonstration occurred after the National Assembly passed a bill for a public referendum on constitutional changes.
Congolese security forces dispersed protesters in Kinshasa on Friday who were demonstrating against proposed constitutional changes that opponents claim could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. The demonstration, organized by the opposition coalition C64, turned violent when police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators who clashed with pro-government supporters outside Parliament. Several protesters, including prominent opposition figures Martin Fayulu and Delly Sesanga, were reportedly injured. The protest took place after the National Assembly passed a bill that would allow constitutional changes to be put to a public referendum, which opposition leaders view as a move to enable the scrapping of presidential term limits.