Protests Erupt in DR Congo Over Move to Remove Presidential Term Limits

Riot police in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, fired tear gas to disperse an opposition rally protesting proposed constitutional changes that could affect presidential term limits. The demonstration turned violent after clashes between opposition and pro-government supporters, with police intervening to restore order. Several people, including opposition figures Martin Fayulu and Prince Epenge, were slightly injured. The opposition is rejecting the proposed reforms, warning they could undermine democratic stability, while the government says the changes would follow a referendum process.

Riot police in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) used tear gas on Friday to disperse an opposition rally in Kinshasa that was held to protest government-backed plans to change the constitution.
The demonstration was organized by opposition leaders under the C64 coalition, who had gathered in front of the parliament building to oppose proposals that could potentially alter presidential term limits. Tensions escalated after clashes broke out between opposition supporters and pro-government activists, before security forces intervened to restore order.
The ruling majority has been pushing for weeks to amend provisions of the constitution, including the two-term limit for presidents. The opposition has strongly rejected the move, accusing President Félix Tshisekedi of attempting to extend his stay in power. Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019, is currently serving what is constitutionally his second and final five-year term, set to end in 2028.
However, the president has recently suggested he could consider seeking a third term if it is supported by the public through a referendum on constitutional reform, a position that has further intensified political tensions across the country.
During Friday’s rally, violence broke out when opposing political groups clashed, prompting police to fire tear gas at demonstrators. An AFP journalist reported that the situation quickly deteriorated into skirmishes near the parliament building.
Opposition figures Martin Fayulu, who finished second in the 2018 presidential election and third in 2023, and Prince Epenge were reportedly slightly injured during the clashes. Some injured protesters later sought refuge at the headquarters of Fayulu’s Commitment to Citizenship and Development (ECIDE) party.
The opposition coalition argues that the proposed constitutional amendments are a serious threat to democratic stability and is demanding that the bill currently before the National Assembly be withdrawn. The bill would allow constitutional changes in cases described as “major dysfunction” in state institutions, subject to a referendum.
Under the current constitution, presidential term limits are fixed and cannot be amended, a safeguard the opposition insists must be protected.
Former president Joseph Kabila, who has been sentenced to death in absentia over alleged links to the M23 armed group, has also called on citizens to oppose any attempts to alter the constitutional term limits.