DR Congo: Protests Over Constitutional Changes Lead to Arrests

Opposition supporters stormed the streets in several cities across DR Congo on Tuesday, September 15, against proposed constitutional changes, with local reports indicating arrests and injuries. The demonstrations were organised by the C64 coalition, an opposition platform that has repeatedly called for protests against plans to amend the constitution and a referendum law that critics say could open the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. The coalition brings together opposition figures including former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu of ECiDé, Moïse Katumbi of Ensemble pour la République, Jean-Marc Kabund of Alliance pour le Changement, Augustin Matata Ponyo of LGD and Delly Sesanga of Envol. In Lubumbashi, local reports said dozens of opposition supporters were arrested as security forces moved to prevent the planned march from taking place. The provincial government later put the number of people arrested in Lubumbashi and nearby Likasi at more than 30, while opposition sources suggest the figures are about 80. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn The arrests came after authorities in Lubumbashi had prohibited the demonstration, citing the need to preserve public order. The C64 nevertheless went on with the march, arguing that the constitution protects the right to peaceful demonstrations. In Kinshasa, hundreds of protesters gathered at different points before marching from the Limete interchange. Police used tear gas and warning shots as the situation deteriorated. Witnesses reported clashes in which protesters and pro-government supporters threw stones and brandished machetes. Several people were injured. Local reports said Manassé Lomboto, a security officer for opposition figure Prince Epenge, later died at Olympique Hospital in Kinshasa. Relatives attributed his death to injuries sustained during the march and blamed police and members of the Force du Progrès, a group affiliated with the ruling UDPS. The C64 march had been planned after earlier attempts to mobilise against the proposed constitutional changes were disrupted. The protests came as debate over constitutional reform intensified. DR Congo's current constitution limits a president to two five-year terms, while parliament adopted a bill in June allowing constitutional changes to be submitted to a referendum. Read the original article on New Times . 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.