A large opposition rally in Kinshasa turned violent as protesters opposed a bill that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term if a declared institutional "dysfunction" leads to a referendum. Police used tear gas after clashes with pro-government supporters outside Parliament. The country is also battling an Ebola outbreak and renewed fighting in the east; opposition leader Martin Fayulu was reported injured.
Clashes Erupt in Kinshasa as Opposition Protests Proposed Term‑Limit Change
FILE - Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo speaks during the Homegoing Celebration of Life for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, March 7, 2026, at Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Violent clashes erupted in Kinshasa on Friday as thousands of demonstrators rallied against a proposed constitutional amendment that critics say could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Organized by the opposition coalition C64 (Coalition Article 64), the protest outside Parliament descended into scuffles between opposition supporters and pro-government activists before police moved in and used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Contested Bill Would Allow Term-Limit Revision
Under the current constitution, presidential term limits are protected and cannot be revised. However, a bill under consideration in the National Assembly would permit amendments to those provisions if lawmakers declare a "major dysfunction" that paralyzes state institutions — a change that could be followed by a referendum. Supporters of the bill say it provides flexibility in crisis; opponents warn it would open the door to extending presidential tenure.
Opposition Unites as Tensions Rise
Several opposition parties that had been fragmented joined in May to form C64 to oppose what they call an attempt by Tshisekedi to remain in power. The coalition has described the proposed amendment as a serious threat to national stability and has organized repeated protests to push back against the measure.
Security and Humanitarian Crises Complicate the Situation
The Democratic Republic of Congo is simultaneously contending with an Ebola outbreak and renewed violence in the eastern provinces, where the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebel group is among more than 100 armed factions contesting control. Those crises are frequently cited by both government and opposition actors when debating emergency measures and constitutional changes.
Among the injured in Friday's disturbances was Martin Fayulu, the runner-up in the 2018 presidential election and a prominent opposition figure. A video posted on Fayulu's official Facebook page showed blood around his eyes and on the collar of his white shirt as aides helped him through the crowd. Authorities have not released a full casualty count.
The episode is the latest sign of growing political tension in the capital as debate intensifies over constitutional safeguards, emergency powers and the balance between stability and democratic limits on presidential tenure.
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