DR Congo: Protests Erupt Over Tshisekedi Constitutional Reform Plans

Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo used tear gas and arrested protesters as demonstrations were held in several cities against President Felix Tshisekedi's plans to change the constitution. Opposition parties have united under the C64 coalition to oppose the proposed changes, which they say could allow Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Clashes broke out between opposition and pro-government supporters in Kinshasa, while police dispersed demonstrations that had been banned by local authorities. Protests were also reported in Lubumbashi and Mbandaka, where activists defied bans and were dispersed by security forces. Opposition figures accused authorities of making arbitrary arrests, while police said they were maintaining public order. The constitutional changes come as the country continues to face conflict in the east, including fighting involving the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. The opposition has also rejected Tshisekedi's offer of national dialogue, accusing him of using it to strengthen his position. AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals , representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica . To address comments or complaints, please Contact us . AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 600 news and information items daily from over 90 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. We operate from Cape Town, Dakar, Abuja, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington DC. Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy . We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.