Keypoints
- Tshisekedi says he would accept a third term if backed by voters
- Opposition figures warn of a constitutional crisis in DR Congo
- Eastern conflict could threaten Congo’s 2028 election timetable
PRESIDENT Felix Tshisekedi has said he would be willing to seek a third term in office if the Congolese people demanded it, triggering criticism from opposition politicians who warned the move could deepen tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday evening, Tshisekedi also warned that continued fighting in eastern Congo could prevent authorities from organising presidential elections on schedule in 2028.
The comments have intensified debate over constitutional reform in one of Africa’s most strategically important mineral producers. Congo supplies more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and modern technology supply chains, meaning prolonged instability could carry wider geopolitical and economic consequences.
Third-term debate revives political tensions
Tshisekedi said he had not personally requested a third mandate but would not reject the possibility if citizens supported the idea.
‘I have not asked for a third term, but if the people want a third term, I will accept,’ he said in response to questions about proposals from political allies to amend the constitution.
Under Congo’s current constitution, presidents are limited to two terms in office. Any change would require a constitutional revision followed by approval through a referendum.
The president, who won re-election in December 2023, first raised the issue of constitutional reform in late 2024, arguing that parts of the existing charter had been heavily influenced by foreign legal experts and should be updated to better reflect national realities.
Tshisekedi’s disputed re-election victory already generated political tensions after opposition parties rejected the official results and alleged electoral irregularities. Africa Briefing previously reported on the opposition backlash following the 2023 presidential election.
Calls for constitutional reform have since gathered momentum within the ruling Sacred Union coalition. In April, coalition secretary Andre Mbata invited political parties, labour unions, civil society groups, religious organisations and legal experts to submit proposals for possible constitutional amendments.
Mbata said a technical commission would begin reviewing submissions after May 20 before presenting recommendations to the presidency.
Opposition warns against constitutional change
Opposition figures reacted sharply to Tshisekedi’s remarks, accusing him of opening the door to a dangerous concentration of power.
Former presidential candidate Delly Sesanga warned that changing presidential term limits could trigger renewed instability.
‘The DRC cannot enter a new cycle of institutional tensions and the personalization of power,’ Sesanga wrote on social media platform X.
‘All democrats must stand against this slide.’
Analysts say the issue remains politically sensitive because of Congo’s recent history. Under former president Joseph Kabila, elections scheduled for 2016 were delayed beyond the constitutional deadline, triggering deadly protests and international condemnation before Tshisekedi eventually took office in 2019.
The latest debate is therefore likely to alarm opposition parties, civil society groups and international observers concerned about democratic governance in Central Africa’s largest country by area.
Eastern conflict clouds election timetable
Alongside the constitutional debate, Tshisekedi linked the future of the 2028 election timetable to worsening insecurity in eastern Congo.
Large areas of North and South Kivu remain under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel alliance, which Congo, the United Nations and several Western governments accuse Rwanda of supporting.
Kigali has repeatedly denied backing the insurgents despite growing international pressure and findings from UN experts.
The conflict has displaced millions of civilians and disrupted mining operations across eastern Congo, raising concerns among investors and neighbouring states. Africa Briefing previously examined how the M23 insurgency is reshaping regional security and economic stability across Central Africa.
Washington and European allies have also increased diplomatic pressure on Rwanda over the crisis. Recent US sanctions linked to the eastern Congo conflict highlighted growing international concern over Kigali’s role.
Tshisekedi said the occupation of parts of the country could make nationwide voting impossible.
‘If this war cannot be ended, unfortunately we will not be able to organise elections in 2028,’ the president said.
‘You cannot hold elections when parts of the country are occupied.’
The remarks are expected to deepen uncertainty over Congo’s political future as authorities confront mounting security challenges alongside increasingly contentious constitutional debate in a country central to global competition for critical minerals.
