Congo Erupts: Tear Gas Fired as Protests Block President's Third Term Bid

Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) fired tear gas on Tuesday to break up widespread protests against proposed constitutional changes that critics fear would allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a controversial third term. Organized by the powerful C64 opposition coalition, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Kinshasa and other major cities like Lubumbashi and Uvira, leading to clashes and arrests. The unrest comes as the DRC grapples with a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak and ongoing conflict in its eastern provinces with groups like the M23 rebels, adding layers of complexity to an already tense political landscape. The country's current constitution strictly limits presidents to two five-year terms, but a Referendum Bill adopted by the National Assembly in June 2026 would open the door for amendments, a move fiercely condemned by opposition figures such as Martin Fayulu and the influential Catholic Church. With dozens arrested and opposition leaders considering international complaints, the political temperature remains dangerously high. Despite President Tshisekedi's recent announcement of a 'National Dialogue' aimed at addressing political challenges, the C64 coalition has vowed continued resistance against any attempts to undermine the existing Presidential term limits, signaling further confrontations ahead.