Violent demonstrations have erupted across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following growing opposition to proposed constitutional changes that critics say could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.
On Tuesday, September 15, police dispersed opposition protesters in several cities, including the capital Kinshasa, using tear gas and warning shots. Reuters witnesses reported that several hundred people took part in the Kinshasa demonstration, while protests were also held in Lubumbashi and Uvira despite restrictions imposed by local authorities.
At least 10 people were reportedly arrested during the confrontations.
The demonstrations were organised by the C64 opposition coalition, which includes prominent opposition figures such as Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi and Delly Sesanga. The coalition has been campaigning against efforts to alter the country’s constitutional framework.
In Kinshasa, the protest initially began peacefully but clashes later broke out between demonstrators and supporters of the government, prompting security forces to intervene.
Tshisekedi’s Third-Term Question
Tshisekedi, who has been president since 2019, is currently serving his second term, which is scheduled to end in 2028. The existing constitution limits presidents to two terms.
However, the president has said he would accept a third term if Congolese voters approve it through a referendum.
The controversy intensified after parliament passed legislation establishing a legal framework for referendums during institutional crises, while the proposed constitutional changes have provided a potential route for altering provisions of the country’s governing document.
Opposition groups have described the initiative as an attempt to manipulate the constitution to extend presidential power, with some referring to it as a “constitutional coup.”
The government, however, maintains that constitutional reform and the referendum process are matters that can be pursued through legal and democratic procedures.
US Minerals Deal Draws Into Debate
The constitutional controversy has also become linked to the DRC’s strategic partnership with the United States.
In a May 6 press conference, Tshisekedi claimed, without providing evidence, that constitutional reform was among conditions allegedly requested by Washington under the minerals and strategic partnership agreement signed by the two countries in December 2025.
Supporters of the ruling coalition have subsequently pointed to Article XII of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), which commits the DRC to undertake legislative and constitutional reforms within 12 months to align its legal framework with the agreement.
The agreement is part of a broader US-DRC partnership involving critical minerals, investment, security and economic cooperation. The Congolese government says the deal is intended to strengthen investment and secure markets for strategic resources including copper and cobalt.
However, analysts have disputed the interpretation that the agreement requires constitutional changes specifically to enable Tshisekedi to seek another presidential term. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, for example, noted that the cited provisions concern aligning the country’s legal and regulatory framework with the agreement and do not explicitly require changes to presidential term limits.
The dispute over the constitution therefore comes as the DRC faces multiple pressures, including insecurity in the east, political tensions and negotiations surrounding its strategic minerals partnership with Washington.
With the 2028 presidential election approaching, the constitutional debate is likely to remain a major source of political tension as Tshisekedi’s government and opposition groups clash over the country’s future political system.
