DAKAR, June 12 - Security forces pushed back a demonstration outside the National Assembly in Kinshasa on Friday, witnesses and opposition leaders reported, as hundreds of people gathered to oppose proposed changes to the constitution that critics say could clear the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
The sit-in had been organized by Coalition Article 64, commonly abbreviated as C64, a broad opposition alliance that includes former presidential contenders Martin Fayulu and Moise Katumbi. Organizers and bystanders said the demonstration escalated when security personnel deployed tear gas and, they alleged, fired live rounds to disperse protesters who responded by throwing stones.
Jean-Baptiste Kasekwa, a member of Martin Fayulu's political party, told reporters that several demonstrators had been wounded, including some prominent political figures. He said that police, army units and militants aligned with President Tshisekedi's party had been positioned outside the parliament building from dawn in an effort to prevent the sit-in.
Opposition figure Delly Sesanga's communications team posted on X that he had been shot in the leg during the clashes. Authorities did not immediately respond to requests for clarification on whether live ammunition was used by security forces. A police official present at the scene told journalists that officers had acted to restore order.
The protest occurred three days after the country's National Assembly approved legislation that would permit constitutional amendments to be referred to a public referendum. Opposition leaders say the move is intended to provide a route for eliminating presidential term limits and therefore allow President Tshisekedi to run again.
Under the current Congolese constitution, a president may not stand for re-election after serving two terms. Felix Tshisekedi was first elected in 2018 and won a second term in 2023. Last month he suggested the possibility of running for a third term, saying he would do so if asked by the Congolese people.
Context and immediate developments
- The demonstration was led by Coalition Article 64, which includes figures such as Martin Fayulu and Moise Katumbi.
- Witnesses and opposition members reported the use of tear gas and alleged live fire; the government had not immediately commented on live ammunition use.
- The National Assembly recently passed a bill to allow constitutional changes to be put to a referendum, a step opposition leaders say could be used to remove term limits.
This account is based on statements from witnesses, opposition politicians and a police official at the scene. Details about the use of live rounds and the full extent of injuries were not immediately confirmed by government sources.