Congo police on Tuesday used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters demonstrating against constitutional changes in Kinshasa and several other cities. The protesters believed that these changes could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to run for a third term in office.
Protests in Kinshasa and Other Cities
The protests were organized by the opposition coalition C64 and took place in Kinshasa and other cities like Lubumbashi and Kindu in eastern Congo, despite restrictions imposed due to the rapid outbreak of Ebola. The protests in Kinshasa began with hundreds of participants and were initially peaceful, but after clashes between protesters and government supporters, police fired tear gas and warning shots.
Read more: Saudi Crown Prince Seeks Support from Egypt
Reactions from Opposition Leaders
Martin Fayulu, the opposition leader, stated, "The Congo government is collaborating with a political militia." He added, "God is great; I came out alive. It was a massacre, and the police were shooting at us." Meanwhile, Congo's government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, condemned the opposition for disrupting activities, especially with false claims about school closures on Tuesday, stating that the right to protest is recognized in the constitution but must be exercised properly.
In June, police also dispersed another gathering in Kinshasa organized by C64 against constitutional changes, resulting in injuries to several people, including Fayulu.
Current Challenges in Congo
Congo is facing multiple crises, including the Ebola outbreak and escalating conflicts with M23 militants, who are supported by Rwanda and are one of over 100 armed groups competing for control of eastern regions of the country. Felix Tshisekedi, 62, has been in office since 2019 and is expected to complete his second five-year term by 2028. He has stated that he is ready to run for a third term if a referendum is approved.
The constitution of Congo prohibits any changes to presidential term limits. However, a bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly allows the president to amend these regulations in the event of a "major disruption" that paralyzes government institutions, which could occur after a referendum.
Read more: Trump Criticizes Supreme Court for Rejecting Mail Voting Restrictions · Deadly Clash on Brooklyn Bridge: Man Shot by Police with a Knife
Source: abcnews.com
