Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has signaled he may seek a third term in 2028 via referendum, despite Congo’s two-term limit. Tshisekedi also warned that the 2028 elections could be delayed indefinitely if the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels in the eastern North and South Kivu regions is not resolved. He argued that elections cannot be held without those regions. Tshisekedi’s remarks confirm long-standing opposition fears that a recently introduced parliamentary bill outlining referendum procedures is a calculated move to rewrite presidential term limits, a maneuver critics denounce as a “constitutional coup.” If Tshisekedi follows through on his plan and successfully rewrites the constitution, Congo could face prolonged authoritarian drift and regional instability.
BBC
