Protests Erupt in DRC Against Tshisekedi's Third Term Bid

On September 15, protests erupted across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against proposed constitutional amendments that opponents claim could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to pursue a third term. The demonstrations were organized by the opposition coalition C64 and took place in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Uvira.

In Kinshasa, where the protest was authorized, several hundred participants clashed with government supporters, leading to police deploying tear gas and firing warning shots. Reports indicated at least 10 arrests, with conflicting accounts regarding the nature of these detentions.

The C64 coalition, which includes prominent figures like Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi, is campaigning against changes to constitutional provisions limiting presidential tenure. The protests follow earlier demonstrations in Goma and Bukavu, reflecting escalating tensions over the DRC's constitutional order.

Tshisekedi, who has been president since 2019, indicated in May a willingness to seek another term if approved by a referendum, prompting criticism from opposition leaders.