Police crack down on protests against constitutional change in DR Congo

What the report says

Police in the Democratic Republic of the Congo confronted protesters on Tuesday in Kinshasa and other cities during a nationwide day of action against proposed constitutional changes. According to Al Jazeera, officers used tear gas as hundreds rallied in the capital, while demonstrations were also reported in Lubumbashi and Uvira despite official restrictions. At least 10 people were arrested during the clashes.

The protests were organized by the C64 coalition, an alliance of opposition forces that says it is trying to block President Felix Tshisekedi’s effort to change the constitution. Critics fear the move could open the door to a third presidential term. Congo’s current constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, and lawmakers approved a bill in June that would allow constitutional changes to go to a referendum. Members of Tshisekedi’s coalition have backed the idea, while opposition parties and the Catholic Church have opposed it.

The unrest comes as the country is dealing with several overlapping crises, including a fast-moving Ebola outbreak and continuing fighting in the east. Al Jazeera reported that Tshisekedi recently proposed a national dialogue with opposition figures, civil society and religious leaders, though rebel groups controlling parts of eastern DRC would not be included. The eastern conflict, especially involving M23, has added pressure on the government and complicated efforts to respond to the outbreak and advance peace talks.