Key facts
- Police dispersed opposition protests in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday.
- Protests were against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Felix Tshisekedi a third term.
- Tear gas and warning shots were reported in Kinshasa.
- The demonstrations were called by the opposition C64 coalition.
- Protests were also reported in Lubumbashi and Uvira.
- President Tshisekedi announced plans for a national dialogue three weeks prior.
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo dispersed opposition protests in several cities on Tuesday against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Reuters witnesses reported tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa.
The demonstrations were called by the opposition C64 coalition, linked to former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi and Delly Sesanga. Several hundred people took part in the protest in Kinshasa, which was authorized and began peacefully. However, clashes broke out between protesters and pro-government supporters, prompting police intervention.
In the cities of Lubumbashi and Uvira, protests were officially prohibited by local authorities but went ahead and were quickly dispersed. The protests come three weeks after Tshisekedi announced plans for a national dialogue, excluding rebels from eastern Congo, to address the country's political challenges.
Congo's constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms. Parliament adopted a bill in June allowing constitutional changes to be put to a referendum, and members of Tshisekedi's coalition have backed changes that would allow him to remain in office. Opposition parties and the Catholic Church have condemned the proposed changes.