Democratic Republic of the Congo witnessed violent clashes in the capital Kinshasa on Friday after a protest against proposed constitutional changes descended into chaos, leaving several people injured including two prominent opposition figures.
The rally was organized by opposition coalition C64 in response to growing concerns that President Felix Tshisekedi could seek to extend his time in office beyond the country’s current constitutional limit.
Tshisekedi, who has been president since 2019, is currently serving his second and constitutionally final five-year term, which ends in 2028. However, recent comments suggesting he would consider remaining in power “if the people wish it” after a referendum have intensified political tensions across the country.
The ruling coalition has reportedly been pushing for reforms that could weaken or remove the constitution’s strict two-term presidential limit. Opposition groups argue that the move threatens democracy and could destabilize the conflict-affected nation.
On Friday, opposition supporters gathered outside parliament in Kinshasa to protest against the proposed constitutional amendments. However, the demonstration quickly turned violent after clashes erupted between anti-government protesters and supporters linked to the ruling party.
According to witnesses at the scene, police later intervened and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd after stone-throwing and confrontations intensified. Around one hundred demonstrators were reportedly involved in the unrest.
Opposition leader Martin Fayulu, who finished second in the 2018 presidential election and third in the 2023 vote, suffered minor injuries during the clashes. Fellow opposition figure Prince Epenge was also injured.
Several injured protesters later sought refuge at the headquarters of Fayulu’s political party, the Engagement for Citizenship and Development (ECIDE), following the violence.
Witnesses reported that police officers and activists linked to the Forces of Progress, a youth group associated with the ruling party, briefly attacked the party headquarters with stones after the clashes.
Fayulu accused the government of working together with the youth movement to target opposition activists. Speaking after the unrest, he alleged that unarmed demonstrators had been attacked during the protest.
Several protesters claimed they suffered injuries from stones while others alleged they had been struck by bullets, although those claims could not immediately be independently confirmed.
The provincial government of Kinshasa later announced that at least 20 people were injured during the unrest, including 15 police officers and five demonstrators. Authorities also stated that the protest had not been officially authorized near parliament buildings.
The clashes have further increased political tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where concerns about constitutional reform and democratic stability continue to dominate national debate.
Under the current constitution, presidential term limits are protected from amendment. However, a proposed bill before parliament would reportedly allow constitutional revisions during periods of what authorities describe as “major dysfunction” affecting state institutions, subject to a referendum.
Opposition leaders and civil society organizations strongly condemned Friday’s violence and warned that attempts to alter presidential term limits could threaten peace and stability in the country.
Former president Joseph Kabila also urged Congolese citizens to support efforts opposing constitutional changes. Kabila was recently sentenced to death in absentia on treason-related charges linked to alleged connections with the M23 rebel movement.
The latest unrest highlights the growing political uncertainty in the DRC as debate intensifies over the country’s democratic future ahead of the 2028 elections.
