A proposed constitutional amendment to allow Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term has triggered protests across the country on Tuesday, September 15, with dozens of people arrested.
The protests broke out on in Kinshasa, the capital, and several other major towns across the country, but were met with a police crackdown.
Police fired tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa to disperse hundreds of protesters who participated in the demonstrations.
Videos shared on social media showed hundreds of protesters waving flags of various political parties during demonstrations called by Coalition Article 64 (C64), a broad opposition alliance opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments.
Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019, is due to complete his second five-year term in 2028, which would be his final term under the current constitution.
However, the 63-year-old president said last month that he would be willing to serve a third term in the conflict-plagued country if the people wish it.
In June, months before Tshisekedi made the remarks, the DRC Senate passed a bill providing for referendums in the country.
Police later violently dispersed protesters after supporters and opponents of Tshisekedi clashed during demonstrations against the proposed constitutional changes.
Martin Fayulu, a former presidential candidate and one of the leaders of C64, said the coalition was considering filing an international complaint against Tshisekedi over the violence against opposition activists.
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