President Félix Tshisekedi Opens Door to a Possible Third Term
In a press conference held on Wednesday, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi said he would accept a third term in office if the Congolese people expressed their support through a referendum. The 62‑year‑old leader stressed that he has not personally pursued a constitutional change to extend his stay beyond the current two‑term limit, which is set to expire in 2028.
“I didn’t seek a third term, but I’m telling you: If people want me to have a third term, I will accept.”
— Félix Tshisekedi, President of the DRC
Constitutional Framework and the Referendum Route
The DRC’s constitution, adopted in 2006, limits the president to two five‑year terms (Article 70). Any amendment to this provision would require a national referendum, a process Tshisekedi insists must involve direct consultation with the population.
He clarified that “any change, revision or whatever is necessary will never happen without consultation with the population, the Congolese people – that is, through a referendum.” This stance aligns with international best practices for constitutional reform, which emphasize popular legitimacy (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 2021).
Security Challenges in the East May Delay 2028 Elections
Tshisekedi also warned that the ongoing conflict in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu could impede the organization of presidential elections scheduled for 2028. Fighting between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the Rwandan‑backed M23 rebel group has intensified over the past year, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians.
- According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 5.6 million people were internally displaced in the DRC as of June 2024, with a significant proportion residing in the Kivu provinces (OCHA DRC Situation Report, June 2024).
- The International Crisis Group reported that M23 attacks increased by 37 % between January and August 2024, threatening key mining towns such as Rutshuru and Bunagana (Crisis Group Briefing, September 2024).
“Unfortunately, if we cannot end this war, we will not be able to hold the elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said, adding that authorities would not organize a vote without the participation of the two eastern provinces.
Opposition and International Reaction
Opposition groups have voiced concerns that the president’s remarks signal a deliberate effort to lay the groundwork for a constitutional change that would allow him to remain in power beyond his current mandate. Leaders from the Lamuka coalition and civil society organizations have called for transparency and urged the government to prioritize peace talks over electoral timetable adjustments.
Regional bodies, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have reiterated their support for constitutional term limits as a safeguard against authoritarianism (AU Press Release, September 2024). International observers have also stressed that any referendum must meet stringent standards of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency to be considered credible.
Looking Ahead
President Tshisekedi’s openness to a third term hinges on two major variables: the willingness of the Congolese electorate to endorse such a move via referendum, and the ability of the government to restore security in the volatile eastern regions. As the country navigates these intertwined political and humanitarian challenges, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the DRC adheres to its constitutional term limits or embarks on a new electoral pathway.
