Tensions spilled onto the streets of Kinshasa on Tuesday as opposition supporters and pro-government activists clashed during a rally against proposed changes to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s constitution.
Police fired volleys of tear gas to break up the confrontation, with at least two protesters reportedly injured, according to AFP journalists at the scene.
The unrest was not limited to the capital. Police in several other major cities also moved to disperse demonstrations called by the opposition, with warning shots fired and arrests reported in some areas.
Opposition parties have increasingly united around efforts to block President Felix Tshisekedi’s push to amend the constitution, a move they say could allow him to seek a third term.
The opposition coalition known as C64 had called for nationwide action on Tuesday. In Kinshasa, hundreds of supporters gathered carrying flags representing the main parties within the movement.
Authorities deployed riot police in large numbers along the planned march route and at key intersections across the capital. Despite the heightened security presence, traffic remained unusually light.
The situation deteriorated shortly after the march began, when opposition supporters and pro-government partisans confronted each other.
Police intervened with tear gas, sending protesters retreating in confusion. AFP journalists reported that at least two people were injured during the clashes.
In Lubumbashi, a major mining city in southeastern DR Congo, opposition activists also gathered despite a protest ban imposed by local authorities.
Police moved to disperse the demonstrators using tear gas and warning shots, while several people were arrested, according to an AFP journalist who witnessed the events.
Mohamed Eyenga, provincial coordinator of the Envol opposition party and a senior C64 figure, criticised the security response.
“We were taken aback by the large deployment of the army and police to prevent this peaceful demonstration,” he said, adding that many opposition activists had been “unfortunately and arbitrarily arrested.”
Provincial police commander General Blaise Kilimbalimba rejected the characterisation of the arrests, insisting that no peaceful demonstrator had been detained.
“The police have taken measures to allow every citizen to go about their activities freely,” he said, maintaining that the situation had remained calm since the morning.
Further disruption was reported in Mbandaka, the capital of northwestern Equateur province, where authorities had also banned the planned demonstration.
Around 100 activists gathered in the city centre before security personnel moved in to disperse them. Officers were seen carrying weapons, while about 10 people were arrested, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.
The protests come as political tensions continue to build around the proposed constitutional changes, with the opposition determined to challenge any move that could pave the way for Tshisekedi to seek another term in office.
