DRC: Police disperse protests against constitutional change

In the capital, where the march had been authorized, several hundred people participated in the mobilization. According to Reuters, the gathering began peacefully before clashes erupted, during which stones were thrown and machetes were brandished, prompting police intervention.

In the provinces, the mobilization was also disrupted. Security sources cited by Radio Okapi reported around twenty arrests in Lubumbashi. In Kananga, police used tear gas and made several arrests, while attempts to gather were thwarted in Kisangani. In Bandundu, however, the march was able to proceed.

The protests were called by the Coalition Article 64, which includes opposition figures Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, and Delly Sesanga. The platform had announced this mobilization for September 15 to oppose any constitutional amendments that could, according to them, pave the way for a third term for Félix Tshisekedi.

Three weeks prior to this mobilization, Félix Tshisekedi had initiated a national dialogue, presented by the presidency as a framework for discussion on political and security crises. The Congolese Constitution limits the president to two five-year terms.