Police, protesters clash in Kinshasa over move to amend DRC constitution
Clashes erupted in Kinshasa as the C64 coalition marched against a constitutional amendment that could pave the way for a third term for President Félix Tshisekedi.
Clashes broke out in the streets of Kinshasa on Tuesday as police moved to break up a march organised by a coalition of political parties and civil society groups opposed to a proposed amendment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo's constitution.
The C64 platform, or Coalition Article 64, had called the march to the National Assembly to coincide with the opening of a new parliamentary session, aiming to press lawmakers to reject the amendment bill.
Speaking to the media during the demonstration, Martin Fayulu, a member of the coalition, called on President Félix Tshisekedi to step down over the move. He said the president should resign, along with the governor of Kinshasa and the city's police chief, adding that everyone in that chain of command should go.
Grace Ngolo, a youth leader of C64, said the coalition rejects any change to the constitution. She warned that lawmakers elected by the people would be removed from office if they cooperated with the president on what she described as a plan to amend the constitution.
Another coalition member, Bob Bolabwe, said the start of the parliamentary session was the moment to tell members of Congress that the bill should be scrapped outright.
The National Assembly passed a bill last June setting out the framework for a referendum that would lead to a constitutional amendment, a step opponents say could clear the way for a third term for Tshisekedi. The next presidential election is scheduled for December 16, 2028.
C64 takes its name from Article 64 of the constitution and brings together political actors and civil society representatives committed to defending the constitutional order and blocking attempts to amend the charter.