Security forces disperse protesters near the parliament building in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, June 12, 2026.
(Kinshasa) – Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo used excessive force against protesters demonstrating against a proposed law that could extend President Félix Tshisekedi’s term on June 12, 2026, Human Rights Watch said today.
The security forces used tear gas and batons in the capital, Kinshasa, to prevent a group of protesters created to defend the existing constitution from attending a sit-in in front of the parliament building. They also failed to protect members of the group from assault by a group linked to the main ruling party.
“Congolese security forces used unnecessary force against people who tried to exercise their right to criticize proposed changes to the constitution,” said Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Instead of protecting the demonstrators, security forces instigated violence and left protesters vulnerable to assault by a pro-ruling party group.”
Between June 12-22, Human Rights Watch interviewed 38 people, including 15 from Article 64 Coalition for the defense of the constitutional order (Coalition Article 64, or C64) who were injured on June 12 and 7 from Force of Progress (Force du Progrès), a group linked to the main ruling party, Union for Democracy and Social Progress (Union pour la Démocratie et le Progrès Social, or UDPS).
On June 11, the Kinshasa governor rejected an application from C64 to hold a sit-in in front of the parliament building, the Palace of the People (Palais du Peuple), and provided an alternative venue. The C64 members rejected this proposal. While the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, the law on demonstrations empowers the authorities to prevent or disperse a meeting if it is a threat to public order and security
