The Democratic Republic of Congo’s parliament has approved legislation enabling referendums, intensifying a dispute over possible constitutional changes that critics fear could extend President Félix Tshisekedi’s time in office. Tshisekedi, who is currently serving his second and final constitutionally allotted term, would have to relinquish power by 2028. But with a constitutional amendment, the parliament could extend the term limit or remove it outright. Opposition parties object to the initiative and have boycotted parliament since the proposal emerged several weeks ago. Legal experts also question whether parts of the bill are constitutional, with some expecting the Constitutional Court to strike it down. Some religious groups, including certain Catholic and Protestant churches, have also expressed opposition to the bill. If the reforms proceed, Tshisekedi and his ruling coalition could gain greater political flexibility. Conversely, the reforms could limit the opposition’s influence over the country’s democratic trajectory. In the longer term, the standoff could shape the DRC’s political stability, investor confidence, and governance framework, particularly as the country navigates conflict in the east and growing geopolitical interest in its mineral wealth.
DW
