Clashes in Kinshasa as C64 Coalition Protests Constitutional Amendment

Violence broke out in the streets of Kinshasa on Tuesday as a coalition of political parties and civil society groups marched towards the National Assembly to oppose a proposed constitutional amendment.

The platform, known as Coalition Article 64 (C64), organised the demonstration to coincide with the opening of a new parliamentary session, aiming to press lawmakers to reject the amendment bill.

At the centre of the dispute is a bill passed by the National Assembly last June that would establish a framework for a referendum on changing the constitution. Opponents say the change would clear the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.

Speaking to the media during the protest, Martin Fayulu, a member of the C64 coalition, called on the president to step down. He said Tshisekedi should take a hard look at himself and resign, adding that the governor of Kinshasa and the city's police chief should also leave their posts, along with everyone in the chain of command.

Grace Ngolo, the coalition's youth leader, warned legislators against cooperating with the presidency on the amendment. She said the C64 rejects any change to the constitution and told MPs elected by the people that if they tried to push the plan through, the coalition would move to remove them from office.

Another coalition member, Bob Bolabwe, said the start of the parliamentary session was the moment to tell lawmakers that the bill should be abandoned altogether.

The C64 brings together political actors and civil society representatives to defend the constitutional order, taking its name from Article 64 of the country's constitution. Its supporters say the provision blocks any attempt to amend the constitution.

Tuesday's march saw demonstrators singing and dancing at times, even as scuffles broke out between police and protesters. The next presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is scheduled for 16 December 2028.