DR Congo: Opposition demands probe into violence at C64 protests

The opposition Coalition for the Defence of the Constitutional Order (C64) has condemned violence during protests in the Democratic Republic of Congo on September 15, accusing pro-government groups and security forces of attacking demonstrators.

In a statement issued on September 17, the coalition said Manassé Lomboto Bomengola, a member of the opposition ADD-Congo party, died after being injured during the demonstration in Kinshasa.

C64 described his death as an “assassination” and called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding it

The coalition accused members of the pro-government Force du Progrès group, alongside elements of the police and other security services, of involvement in the violence.

It also called for the release of people arrested during the demonstrations and for those responsible for alleged abuses to face justice.

C64 further demanded the dismantling of Force du Progrès, a youth movement associated with President Félix Tshisekedi’s ruling UDPS party, and called for investigations into the clashes.

The accusations have not been independently established.

The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which deployed observers to the September 15 march, said it had documented rights violations and the presence of people carrying bladed weapons in Limete, where the march was disrupted.

The protests were organised by C64 in Kinshasa and other parts of the country to oppose proposed constitutional changes that the opposition says could allow Tshisekedi to seek a third presidential term.

The march in Kinshasa had been agreed with city authorities, with the route modified to respect the inviolability of parliament.

Organisers had pledged that the demonstration would remain peaceful and that security forces would provide protection.

However, clashes broke out in the Limete area as demonstrators encountered groups described by opposition leaders as members of Force du Progrès.

Police used tear gas and warning shots to disperse the crowd.

Similar demonstrations were disrupted in several other cities, including Lubumbashi, Kananga, Kindu and Mbandaka.

Opposition leader Martin Fayulu accused the authorities of setting a “trap” for protesters and alleged that Force du Progrès members were positioned alongside police officers.

Police, however, said at the time that they did not have a report confirming his allegations.

Government officials have disputed parts of the opposition's account.

Authorities in Kinshasa said there were several injured people, including the provincial police commander, and reported that about 20 people had been arrested.

Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the constitutional right to protest must be exercised lawfully.

C64 has maintained its opposition to any constitutional amendment that could extend presidential term limits and says it wants the constitutional transfer of power to proceed in 2028.

The coalition has called for further investigations into the September 15 violence and said it would continue mobilising against any attempt to alter the constitutional order.