**Police Crack Down on Protests Against Constitutional Change in DR Congo**
*Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – September 15, 2026* – Protests erupted in the capital city of Kinshasa and other regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Tuesday, as citizens rallied against proposed constitutional changes by President Felix Tshisekedi. The unrest has been marked by violent clashes between demonstrators and police, who responded with tear gas and arrests.
The protests were organized by the "C64" coalition, a group formed by various opposition parties aiming to thwart Tshisekedi's efforts to amend the constitution. Critics of the proposed changes express concerns that they could enable the president to seek a third term in office, a move deemed unconstitutional under the current law, which limits presidential terms to two five-year increments.
During the demonstrations, which also took place in Lubumbashi and Uvira, police reported at least ten arrests. Mohamed Eyenga, a senior member of the Envol opposition party and spokesperson for the C64 coalition, criticized the government's heavy-handed response, stating, "Many of our activists were unfortunately and arbitrarily arrested." Eyenga expressed surprise at the extensive deployment of police and military forces aimed at suppressing what he described as a peaceful demonstration.
In contrast, General Blaise Kilimbalimba, the provincial police commander, claimed that no peaceful demonstrators had been detained. The contrasting narratives highlight the tensions between the government and opposition groups amid the ongoing political crisis.
The backdrop of these protests is a broader context of instability in the DRC, which is currently grappling with a severe Ebola outbreak and ongoing conflict in its eastern regions. The country has faced a resurgence of violence, particularly in resource-rich areas, where armed groups, including the M23 rebels, have exerted control. This conflict has complicated the government’s efforts to manage the health crisis, which is now recognized as the worst Ebola outbreak on record.
The DRC's parliament had previously adopted a bill in June that allows for constitutional changes to be put to a referendum, with members of Tshisekedi's coalition supporting amendments that would facilitate his continued presidency. Opposition parties and influential organizations, such as the Catholic Church, have condemned these proposals, viewing them as a threat to democratic governance.
In a bid to address the political unrest, President Tshisekedi announced plans for a national dialogue aimed at bringing together opposition parties, civil society groups, and religious leaders. However, the dialogue is set to exclude the M23 and other rebel factions, which have been implicated in the ongoing violence in the east. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda has denied.
As part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, officials from the DRC and Rwanda are scheduled to meet in Geneva on September 16 and 17 to discuss the implementation of the 2025 Washington Accords, aimed at addressing the long-standing conflict and its ramifications.
The situation in the DRC remains precarious, with the potential for further unrest as citizens voice their opposition to government policies amid a backdrop of health crises and armed conflict. The government’s response to the protests and the outcomes of the upcoming dialogue will be critical in shaping the future political landscape of the country.