Police Use Tear Gas to Disperse Congo Constitutional Protests
WHO:
Al Jazeera - President Felix Tshisekedi is the leader proposing constitutional changes.
Al Jazeera - The “C64” coalition is a group of opposition forces opposing the constitutional changes.
Al Jazeera - Mohamed Eyenga is a senior figure in the Envol opposition party and part of the C64 coalition.
Al Jazeera - General Blaise Kilimbalimba is the provincial police commander.
WHAT:
ABC News World - Police used tear gas to disperse protests against constitutional changes.
Al Jazeera - Hundreds of demonstrators protested against proposed changes that could allow President Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
Al Jazeera - At least 10 people were arrested during the protests.
Al Jazeera - The DRC's parliament adopted a bill in June allowing constitutional changes to be put to a referendum.
WHERE:
ABC News World - Protests occurred in the capital Kinshasa.
Al Jazeera - Demonstrations also took place in Lubumbashi and Uvira.
WHEN:
Al Jazeera - The protests occurred on a Tuesday.
Al Jazeera - Officials from the DRC and Rwanda are scheduled to reconvene in Geneva, Switzerland on September 16 and 17 for talks.
WHY:
Al Jazeera - Critics worry that the constitutional changes could allow President Tshisekedi to seek a third term in power.
Al Jazeera - Opposition parties and the Catholic Church have condemned the proposed constitutional changes.
HOW:
Al Jazeera - Police deployed tear gas to break up the protests.
Al Jazeera - The protests were part of a nationwide day of action called by the C64 coalition.
(UPDATED September 16, 2026 10:44 UTC)
President Tshisekedi is facing significant opposition as he proposes constitutional changes that critics fear could enable him to seek a third term in office. In response, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Uvira, where police used tear gas to disperse the crowds, resulting in at least ten arrests. The protests were organized by the C64 coalition, which includes senior opposition figures like Mohamed Eyenga, and coincided with upcoming talks between officials from the DRC and Rwanda in Geneva on September 16 and 17.