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Congo Protests Turn Violent as Police Crack Down
Developing
In Short: Protests against President Tshisekedi's proposed constitutional changes, which could allow him a third term, have turned violent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Protests against President Felix Tshisekedi's proposed constitutional changes, which could allow him a third term, have turned violent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The opposition 'C64' coalition, which organized the demonstrations, claims the changes pose a 'serious threat' to the country's stability.
In Kinshasa, the capital, hundreds of protesters began peacefully but were dispersed by police with tear gas and warning shots after clashes with pro-government supporters. The protests also took place in other cities, including Lubumbashi and Kindu, despite restrictions on mass gatherings due to the Ebola outbreak.
The protests drew a large police response, with the provincial police commander, General Blaise Kilimbalimba, insisting that peaceful demonstrators had not been arrested. Despite these efforts, the demonstrations were met with violent crackdowns, highlighting the tension surrounding the constitutional changes.
What's confirmed
- Police fired tear gas as hundreds of people protested in the capital Kinshasa on Tuesday against proposed constitutional changes that critics worry could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in power.
What's still developing
- The protests were part of a nationwide day of action called by the “C64” coalition, which was forged by opposition forces in a bid to defeat Tshisekedi’s attempt to change the constitution.
- “We were taken aback by the large deployment of the army and police to prevent this peaceful demonstration,” he said.
- Congo’s constitution currently limits presidential terms to two five-year increments.
- DRC’s parliament adopted a bill in June allowing constitutional changes to be put to a referendum, and members of Tshisekedi’s coalition have backed changes that would allow him to remain in office.
- Nato fighter pilots have shot down a drone that entered Lithuania's airspace overnight, the Lithuanian president said.
- It is thought to be the first time that a Nato jet has shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace.
- “The Congolese state is working with a political party militia,” said opposition leader Martin Fayulu.
- Congo is plagued by multiple crises, including an Ebola outbreak and an escalation of the decades-long conflict with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, one of more than 100 armed groups vying for control in the eastern provinces.
Sources
- Al Jazeeralink