Martin Fayulu injured as Congo protest erupts over constitutional referendum bill

On 12 June in Kinshasa, security forces used tear‑gas, water‑lances and stones to disperse a sit‑in organized by the opposition outside the Democratic Republic of Congo’s parliament. Veteran opposition leader Martin Fayulu was struck and injured, with video showing blood on his eyes and collar. Deputy Delly Sesanga was also reported wounded in the clashes.

The protest followed the National Assembly’s passage of a law establishing a mechanism for a future constitutional referendum, voted 348‑2‑1. Opponents, including the Article 64 coalition and the Ensemble pour la République de Moïse Katumbi, view the bill as a pathway for President Félix Tshisekedi to amend term‑limit provisions and extend his stay in power beyond 2028. They described the measure as a “constitutional coup,” warning it threatens national stability amid an ongoing eastern conflict.

The incident underscores rising political tension in the DRC as the government pushes reforms while opposition groups mobilize against perceived attempts to undermine the constitution.