DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi faces uncertain path to third term
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Constitutional Court has approved a proposal that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office if it is backed in a national referendum.
Tshisekedi, 63, has been president since 2019. Under the current constitution, he is limited to two five-year terms and is expected to leave office at the end of 2028.
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Although he has not officially declared plans to run again, Tshisekedi and his supporters have repeatedly called for changes to the constitution, saying it no longer meets the country’s needs.
In May, the president said he had not asked for a third term but added that he would accept one if the people wanted it.
Constitutional change
The current constitution clearly limits presidents to two terms and says that rule cannot be changed.
However, the court-backed proposal would allow changes to those protected parts of the constitution if there is a major crisis affecting state institutions.
Under the proposal, the president would appoint a panel of experts whose recommendations would go to a constituent assembly. If approved by a three-fifths majority, the proposed changes would then be put to a nationwide referendum.
Critics argue that the country’s courts and parliament are not independent enough to stop the government from pushing through the changes.
Some also believe a new constitution could reset Tshisekedi’s term limit, allowing him to stay in power beyond 2028.
Security concerns
The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo could also affect any future referendum or election.
The M23 rebel group, which Congo says is backed by Rwanda, controls large parts of North and South Kivu provinces.
Although DR Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington in December, fighting has continued.
A recent survey by the Ebuteli research institute found that 60 percent of Congolese believe the country is moving in the wrong direction. However, more than 80 percent still expressed support for President Tshisekedi.
Opposition rejects plan
Opposition parties have strongly criticised the proposal, describing it as an attack on the constitution and accusing the Constitutional Court of overstepping its powers.
Although the opposition has united under a coalition known as C64, analysts say it remains unclear whether it can mobilise enough public support to stop the proposed reforms.
The government has announced plans for a national dialogue, prompting the opposition to suspend planned nationwide protests.
However, opposition leaders insist the dialogue must begin before August 15, warning that fresh demonstrations could follow if there is no progress.
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