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Rival political groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo turned violent on Friday, 12 June 2026 when a protest organized by the opposition coalition C64 was broken up by police using tear gas. The rally opposed a draft bill that would allow President Felix Tshisekedi to amend term‑limit provisions and potentially stay in power beyond his second term, which ends in 2028.Rival Groups Clash Outside Kinshasa Parliament Over Term‑Limit BillThe demonstration outside the National Assembly in Kinshasa escalated when pro‑government activists confronted opposition supporters. Police intervened, firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. Video footage showed prominent opposition leader Martin Fayulu with blood around his eyes and shirt, while fellow figure Prince Epenge sustained minor injuries.Key Figures and Timeline of the Incident12 June 2026 – Opposition coalition C64 stages rally outside parliament.Police deploy tear gas after clashes between pro‑government and opposition activists.Injuries reported: Martin Fayulu (serious), Prince Epenge (minor).President Tshisekedi later reiterates willingness to serve a third term “if the people wish it”.Political Stakes: Why the Term‑Limit Bill MattersThe DRC constitution currently bars any revision of presidential term limits. The proposed legislation would create a loophole allowing amendment in cases of “major dysfunction” that paralyses state institutions, effectively opening a path for a third term after a constitutional referendum. Opposition parties, historically fragmented, united under the C64 banner in May to label the move a “serious threat” to national stability.Impact on a Nation Beset by Multiple CrisesThe clash adds another layer of instability to a country already coping with a fresh Ebola outbreak and an intensified conflict with the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebels. A prolonged political showdown could hamper emergency response efforts, deter foreign investment, and exacerbate humanitarian needs.Looking Ahead: Scenarios for Tshisekedi’s AmbitionsAnalysts warn that if the bill passes, the DRC may face prolonged protests, potential international condemnation, and a risk of further militarisation of politics. Conversely, a decisive defeat of the proposal could reinforce constitutional norms but may also deepen fractures within the opposition coalition. The coming months, especially any scheduled constitutional referendum, will be critical in determining whether President Tshisekedi can extend his rule or whether the country reverts to its two‑term limit framework.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel coalition commenced a new round of negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, with mediation provided by the United States and Qatar. The talks aim to halt the persistent violence that has continued despite a December peace accord signed in Washington.During the Geneva session, both parties signed an interim peace‑monitoring mechanism, according to Radio France Internationale. The framework creates a joint body tasked with tracking humanitarian and security developments and flagging any ceasefire violations. Representatives from the DRC government, the M23 coalition, and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) will staff the mechanism.Al Jazeera correspondent Alain Uaykani, reporting from Goma, described the situation on the ground as "very fragile," with each side accusing the other of breaching previous truces. He highlighted the town of Minembwe in South Kivu, where thousands of civilians are caught in crossfire between rival armed groups.Local residents hope that mediators will press both sides to honor the newly‑established monitoring body, after a series of failed agreements. The conflict has intensified since early 2025, when the M23 seized large territories, including the provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu.In December, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a "historic" peace and economic agreement in Washington, a move that was widely criticized as overlooking Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebels. Separate Qatar‑mediated talks have also taken place, yet clashes resumed almost immediately after the December deal.Human Rights Watch issued a statement on Tuesday condemning both parties for obstructing aid deliveries and preventing civilians from fleeing the highlands of South Kivu. Clementine de Montjoye, senior Great Lakes researcher at the organization, warned that the region faces a "dire humanitarian crisis" and that the conflict remains "vastly under‑reported."The newly‑formed monitoring mechanism, supported by MONUSCO, represents the latest diplomatic effort to stabilize eastern Congo and protect vulnerable populations, even as fighting continues to flare in the highland areas of South Kivu.