Violent clashes broke out on Friday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), during a protest against a proposed constitutional change. Opponents argue that this change might clear the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. The demonstration, organized by the opposition coalition C64, was dispersed by police using tear gas after protesters clashed with pro-government supporters in front of the Parliament.

The DRC faces multiple crises, including an Ebola outbreak and an intensification of the decades-long conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The M23 is one of over 100 armed groups vying for control in the eastern provinces. Tshisekedi, 62, has held office since 2019 and is set to complete his second five-year term in 2028. He has indicated his willingness to seek a third term if voters approve it in a referendum.

The Congolese Constitution forbids any revision of presidential term limits. However, a bill under consideration in the National Assembly, the lower house, would allow the president to amend these provisions in the event of a “major dysfunction” that paralyzes state institutions, potentially after a referendum.

In May, the country’s main opposition parties, previously divided, united under the C64 banner, or Coalition Article 64, to oppose what they describe as Tshisekedi’s attempt to remain in power. The coalition has labeled the proposed changes as a “serious threat” to the country’s stability. Friday’s demonstration led to clashes between opposition supporters and pro-government activists before police intervention.

Among the injured was Martin Fayulu, the runner-up in the 2018 presidential elections and a prominent opposition figure in the DRC. A video posted on his official Facebook page showed Fayulu with visible blood around his eyes and on the collar of his white shirt as his supporters helped him make his way through the crowd.