Congo Orders Inquiry Into Violence at Kinshasa Anti-Government Rally

Congo’s justice minister has ordered an investigation into reported violence and criminality during an anti-government rally in Kinshasa, directing the Attorney General to conduct a judicial inquiry.

The probe follows a protest held on September 15 that was disrupted by police tear gas and clashes involving opposition protesters and alleged pro-government gangs.

Inquiry to examine multiple allegations

According to the details of the order, investigators will examine reports of violence, injuries, destruction of property, arrests and alleged deaths connected to the rally. The available information does not establish who was responsible for the reported violence or damage.

The opposition said one of its supporters died during the march. That reported death has not been independently verified in the supplied information. The opposition also alleged that government supporters involved in the confrontation were armed with machetes.

The inquiry is expected to review those claims alongside the wider events surrounding the protest. No official casualty total has been provided.

Protest over proposed constitutional change

The rally was called by the C64 movement as part of a day of protest against a planned constitutional change. Demonstrations opposing the proposed change took place across Congo.

The proposed constitutional amendment could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third five-year term. The issue has become the central focus of the opposition-led protests described in the supplied information.

Police broke up the Kinshasa rally by firing tear gas, while clashes were reported between hundreds of opposition protesters and alleged pro-government gangs.

The justice minister’s instruction places the reported incidents under judicial examination. The Attorney General’s inquiry will determine the scope of the violence and assess the allegations involving injuries, property damage, arrests and deaths.