Security forces disperse opposition rally in Congo against proposed constitutional changes

Violent clashes erupted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, 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 parliament. The demonstration was called to oppose 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. Opposition leaders argue the measure is designed to enable President Félix Tshisekedi, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, to extend his rule beyond 2028. Among those injured was Martin Fayulu, a leading opposition figure and runner-up in the 2018 presidential election, with video showing him bloodied around the eyes; opposition politician Delly Sesanga was also reported to have been shot in the leg. Pro-government activists clashed with protesters before police intervened, and witnesses said security forces aligned with Tshisekedi's party had been deployed since dawn to prevent the sit-in. Tshisekedi, 62, has said he would seek a third term only if approved by voters in a referendum, while the DRC's constitution explicitly bars any revision of presidential term limits. The incident deepens political tensions in a country already facing an Ebola outbreak and a decades-long armed conflict in its eastern provinces involving more than 100 armed groups.