Published • loading... • Updated
Congo police break up protests against proposed constitutional changes
Police used tear gas and warning shots as hundreds protested constitutional changes critics say could let Felix Tshisekedi seek a third term.
- On Tuesday, police in the Democratic Republic of Congo dispersed opposition protests in several cities against proposed constitutional changes that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, using tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa.
- The C64 coalition, led by former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, and Delly Sesanga, organized the demonstrations after Parliament approved a proposal extending the presidential mandate beyond the current limit of two five-year terms.
- Hundreds gathered in Kinshasa, while unauthorized protests in Lubumbashi and Uvira were also quickly dispersed by authorities. In the capital, peaceful marches turned violent as protesters and pro-government supporters clashed with stones and machetes.
- Opposition parties and the Catholic Church have condemned the constitutional amendment, with the C64 coalition calling on Tshisekedi to "give up" the proposed changes that would threaten democratic term limits.
- Tensions remain high as elections are two years away, while conflict persists in eastern Congo where the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group controls territory. Tshisekedi recently proposed a national dialogue to address political challenges.
Insights by Ground AI
22 Articles
22 Articles
Opposition rallies on Tuesday in several cities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including the capital Kinshasa, were marred by clashes and tensions, as the police used tear gas to disperse militants.
·Montreal, Canada
Read Full Article
They were thousands in Kinshasa. The police had banned most marches in the country. ...
·Brussels, Belgium
Read Full Article
In Kinshasa, the movement of the C64 coalition against constitutional change turned into clashes between demonstrators, opposition leaders and young people designated as members of the ruling party. Injured, Martin Fayulu challenged the head of state.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left5Leaning Right4Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Left
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left
38% Left
L 38%
C 31%
R 31%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
