Third-Term Controversy Fuels Street Clashes and Political Tensions in Congo

Political tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) escalated on Friday after violent clashes erupted in the capital, Kinshasa , during an opposition rally against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office .

The demonstration, organized by the opposition coalition C64 (Coalition Article 64) , drew hundreds of supporters who gathered to protest a bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly. The proposed legislation would allow the president to amend constitutional provisions related to presidential term limits in the event of a "major dysfunction" affecting state institutions, potentially following a referendum.

The rally descended into chaos when opposition supporters clashed with pro-government activists near Parliament. Police intervened using tear gas to disperse crowds and restore order.

Among those injured was opposition leader Martin Fayulu , one of the country's most prominent political figures and runner-up in the 2018 presidential election. Videos shared by his supporters showed him with visible injuries after the confrontation.

The unrest highlights growing concerns over the future of constitutional governance in the Central African nation. While President Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019, is serving his second five-year term set to end in 2028, opposition leaders argue that the proposed reforms could weaken constitutional safeguards and open the door for an extension of presidential power.

Congo's Constitution currently prohibits revisions to presidential term limits. However, government supporters maintain that the proposed changes are intended to address exceptional institutional crises rather than alter democratic norms.

The constitutional dispute comes at a particularly fragile moment for the country. The DRC is grappling with multiple challenges, including an Ebola outbreak and escalating violence in its eastern provinces, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and dozens of armed groups continue to battle for territorial control.

The newly formed C64 coalition has described the proposed constitutional amendments as a serious threat to democracy and national stability , warning that they could deepen political unrest in a country already facing significant security and humanitarian challenges.