Dozens of people have been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following protests against a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
The protests broke out on Tuesday in Kinshasa, the capital and several other major towns across the country, but were met with a stiff police crackdown.
According to Reuters, police fired tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa to disperse hundreds of protesters who took part in the demonstrations.
Videos shared on social media showed hundreds of protesters waving flags of various political parties during demonstrations called by coalition article 64 (C64), a broad opposition alliance opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments.
Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019, is due to complete his second five-year term in 2028, which would be his final term under the current constitution.
However, the 63-year-old president said last month that he would be willing to serve a third term in the conflict-plagued country “if the people wish it”.
In June, months before Tshisekedi made the remarks, the DRC senate passed a bill to hold referendums in the country.
Police violently dispersed protesters after supporters and opponents of Tshisekedi clashed during demonstrations against proposed constitutional changes.
Martin Fayulu, former presidential candidate and one of the leaders of C64, said they were considering an international complaint against Tshisekedi for the violence against opposition activists.