Security forces disperse opposition rally in Congo against proposed constitutional changes

Violent clashes erupted in Kinshasa on Friday as security forces used tear gas and, according to witnesses, live ammunition to disperse a sit-in organized by the opposition coalition C64 outside the Congolese parliament. The demonstration opposed a bill passed by the National Assembly three days earlier that would allow constitutional amendments — including presidential term limits — to be put to a public referendum under conditions of 'major dysfunction' in state institutions. Prominent opposition figure Martin Fayulu was visibly injured, with video showing blood around his eyes and on his shirt, and opposition politician Delly Sesanga was reported shot in the leg. Pro-government activists also clashed with protesters before police intervened, with witnesses reporting that security forces aligned with Tshisekedi's party had been deployed since dawn to prevent the sit-in. Under the current Congolese constitution, Tshisekedi — who has been in office since 2019 and is due to complete his second term in 2028 — is barred from seeking re-election, though he has publicly stated he would run again if voters approved it in a referendum. The unrest adds to a cascade of crises facing the DRC, including a spreading Ebola outbreak and an escalating conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the country's eastern provinces.