Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo fired tear gas and warning shots on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to disperse hundreds of protesters opposing proposed constitutional changes they fear could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
The opposition Coalition Article 64 (C64) organised demonstrations in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Kindu, despite restrictions on mass gatherings imposed amid a spreading Ebola outbreak.
The Kinshasa demonstration initially proceeded peacefully but later saw clashes between protesters and pro-government supporters, prompting police intervention. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu accused the authorities of using excessive force, while government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said the constitutional right to demonstrate must be exercised properly.
Police had previously dispersed another C64 demonstration in Kinshasa in June 2026, during which several people, including Fayulu, were injured.
Tshisekedi, 62, has served as president since 2019 and is expected to complete his second five-year term in 2028. He has said he would consider seeking a third term if voters approved the move through a referendum.
The Congolese Constitution currently bars revisions to presidential term limits. However, a bill before the National Assembly would provide a mechanism to amend those provisions in circumstances described as a “major dysfunction” paralysing state institutions, potentially following a referendum.
Congo’s main opposition parties formed C64 in May 2026 to oppose the proposed constitutional changes, which they say could undermine the country’s political stability.