Riots have erupted at the DRC meeting against the change in the president’s term | Objections

Police dispersed the crowd with tear gas as opposition and pro-government forces clashed.

Rival political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo clashed at rallies to oppose a law that would allow President Felix Tshisekedi to serve beyond his two-term term.

Demonstrations outside parliament in the capital Kinshasa on Friday, organized by the opposition C64 coalition, were broken up by police who fired tear gas after clashes involving pro-government activists, AFP reported.

Among the injured was opposition leader Martin Fayulu, who had a video showing him with blood in his eyes and shirt as supporters came to his aid. Co-opponent Prince Epenge was also slightly injured, AFP reported.

The struggle comes as the DRC faces several challenges, including the latest The Ebola outbreak and the escalation of decades of conflict with a M23 rebels supported by Rwanda.

Tshisekedi’s bid to stay in office has led to riots. His second five-year term as President is due to end in 2028.

The 62-year-old president recently announced he would agree to lead the embattled country for a third term “if the people want it” after a constitutional reform referendum.

Although the constitution of the DRC prohibits changing the president’s term, the law being discussed in the National Assembly allows the president to change the policy if there is a “serious disturbance” that hinders the government, possibly after a referendum.

The main opposition parties, which have been divided in recent years, united in May under the C64 banner to oppose Tshisekedi’s bid to stay in office.

The coalition said the change was a “serious threat” to the country’s stability.