Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently reported that security forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) used disproportionate force against protesters rallying against a proposed constitutional amendment, potentially extending President Félix Tshisekedi’s tenure. The demonstrators, primarily from the Article 64 Coalition (C64) and the Force of Progress, faced tear gas and baton assaults as they attempted to stage a sit-in near the parliament building, showcasing the volatile political atmosphere in the region (JURIST).
Numerous demonstrators sustained injuries, an escalation that goes against the United Nations’ guidelines, which stipulate that law enforcement should use non-violent means before resorting to force. Despite these principles, over a dozen demonstrators, including several opposition figures, suffered injuries, compounded by several arrests during the skirmishes.
Amnesty International added weight to HRW’s findings by highlighting testimonies. Members of the Force of Progress reportedly collaborated with security forces, exacerbating the clashes. Allegations suggest that ruling party affiliates mobilized supporters to thwart peaceful protests, further heightening tensions (Amnesty International).
While the governor of Kinshasa had denied C64’s sit-in proposal at the parliament building, proposing an alternate site, C64 rejected this alternative and proceeded with their original plan, leading to the violent confrontation. The Congolese authorities, in response, have condemned the violence, with the Prosecutor General’s Office initiating an investigation into the incident.
The ruling party, Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), publicly distanced itself from the acts of violence, filing a complaint to investigate those falsely acting under its name. The UDPS’s secretary general emphasized that these unauthorized actions harmed the party’s reputation.
The controversial constitutional changes, passed by the Congolese Senate in mid-June, stirred considerable opposition. Such developments unfold amid broader unrest in the DRC, where armed groups continue to perpetrate violence against civilians in the eastern regions. HRW commended the government’s resolve to investigate the violence and stressed the necessity for impartial and thorough inquiries to ensure justice and accountability.