Clashes erupted between opposition supporters and pro-government activists in Kinshasa on Tuesday as police fired tear gas to disperse a rally against proposed constitutional changes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The protests, organised by the opposition C64 coalition, also triggered tensions in other major cities, where security forces used tear gas and warning shots and made arrests to break up demonstrations.
Opposition parties have joined forces in recent months to oppose President Felix Tshisekedi’s proposed constitutional changes, which critics say could enable him to seek a third term in office.
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Kinshasa on Tuesday, carrying flags of parties belonging to the C64 coalition, which had called for nationwide demonstrations.
Riot police were deployed along the planned march route and at major intersections in the capital. The march initially proceeded before clashes broke out between opposition demonstrators and supporters of the government.
Police responded with volleys of tear gas, forcing protesters to retreat. At least two people were injured, according to AFP journalists at the scene.
The demonstrations were also disrupted in several other cities.
In Lubumbashi, a major mining centre in southeastern Congo, activists gathered despite a protest ban imposed by local authorities. Police dispersed the crowd using tear gas and warning shots, with several people arrested, according to an AFP journalist.
Mohamed Eyenga, provincial coordinator of the opposition Envol party and a senior C64 figure, criticised the security deployment.
“We were taken aback by the large deployment of the army and police to prevent this peaceful demonstration,” he said, alleging that several activists were “arbitrarily arrested.”
Provincial police commander General Blaise Kilimbalimba disputed the account, saying no peaceful demonstrator had been arrested.
“The police have taken measures to allow every citizen to go about their activities freely,” he said, adding that the situation had remained calm.
In Mbandaka, capital of Equateur province in northwestern Congo, authorities had also banned the protest. About 100 activists were dispersed by armed law enforcement officers, while around 10 people were arrested, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.
The nationwide action came after earlier opposition demonstrations against the proposed constitutional changes were also disrupted by security forces. Reuters reported that Tuesday’s protests took place in several cities, including Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Uvira, with police using tear gas and warning shots.
The constitutional debate has intensified since Tshisekedi raised the possibility of seeking another term. Opposition groups say the proposed reforms could pave the way for him to remain in office beyond the limits established under the current constitutional framework.
The latest unrest adds to political tensions in the country as opposition groups seek to maintain pressure against the proposed changes.
