Congo Police Disperse Protests Over Constitutional Changes

Police dispersed opposition protests in Kinshasa and other cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo over proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Reuters witnesses reported tear gas and warning shots, while clashes in Kinshasa involved protesters and pro-government supporters throwing stones and brandishing machetes. The demonstrations were organized by the C64 opposition coalition, whose leaders and the Catholic Church have criticized the proposed reforms; authorities had prohibited protests in Lubumbashi and Uvira, though demonstrations took place there. Tshisekedi has framed constitutional reform and a planned national dialogue as responses to the country’s political challenges, while opponents argue that changing the constitution amid war, poverty and weak public services would primarily serve the interests of those in power.