C64 Opposition March Draws Bans, Arrests and Fayulu's 'Ambush' Accusation Against Tshisekedi

The Coalition Article 64's nationwide march against President Tshisekedi's constitutional referendum push went ahead Tuesday, Sept 15, under heavy security. In Kinshasa, an eleventh-hour route agreement between C64 and city hall let activists converge on the Limete interchange and march through Bandal toward the Moulaert roundabout, but opposition leader Martin Fayulu accused the regime of setting an 'ambush,' saying members of the pro-government Force du Progrès armed with bladed weapons had been placed among police ostensibly securing the march. Authorities banned or blocked the march in several provinces: police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Kananga and arrested several activists and party officials; in Lubumbashi, police dispersed a gathering at Forrest Square and detained roughly 20 activists, including deputy Christian Mwando's entourage, while deputy Khiller Mubambe was briefly held then released; authorities in Gemena, Mbuji-Mayi and Kisangani barred any assembly, citing security concerns and, in Kisangani's case, the Ebola outbreak. The march proceeded largely unimpeded in Bandundu (Kwilu) despite one party office being barricaded. Security sources said no deaths were recorded amid roughly 20-plus arrests nationwide. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya on Sept 16 accused the opposition of manipulation over the march's conduct.