Elections & Democracy
DR Congo court backs Tshisekedi third-term path
Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitutional Court has approved a bill that could create a path for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term through constitutional change and a referendum.
A coalition of main opposition parties on Wednesday denounced the move as a “plot against the constitutional order” and a “judicial rebellion”. The coalition said those involved could face accusations of “high treason”.
Tshisekedi, 63, has been in power since 2019. Under the current constitution, he must leave office at the end of his second five-year term in late 2028. The constitution limits the president to two terms and says the number and length of presidential terms cannot be revised.
The court-approved proposal would allow the constitution's protected subjects to be altered in the event of “major dysfunction” paralysing state institutions, at the president's initiative. The process would involve a panel of experts, a constituent assembly vote by a three-fifths majority and then a public vote.
A new constitution could also reset the presidential term count for Tshisekedi. He has denied seeking a third term, but told a press conference in May: “If people want me to have a third term, I will accept.” His supporters have argued for revising a constitution they describe as out of step with public expectations.
The opposition has regrouped in a coalition nicknamed C64 to oppose constitutional change, though its ability to mobilise remains uncertain after Tshisekedi's wide 2023 election victory. A planned July 22 day of national action was postponed after the government announced a national dialogue. The opposition has urged that dialogue to begin before August 15 or face protests.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo may also affect the political path ahead. The M23 group has seized territory in North and South Kivu, and voters in those provinces might not take part in the 2028 presidential election or a referendum. A peace accord signed in Washington in December between DR Congo and Rwanda has not ended fighting.
Update
A coalition of main opposition parties on Wednesday denounced the court-backed proposal as a “plot against the constitutional order” and a “judicial rebellion”.
The opposition said those involved could face accusations of “high treason”.
The opposition has urged the government to begin a national dialogue before August 15 or face protests.
Source note: AFP news report published on 29 July 2026 at 20:12:00 UTC.
Update
The approved bill would allow changes to constitutionally protected subjects in cases of “major dysfunction” paralysing state institutions, at the president's initiative.
The process would involve a panel of experts, a constituent assembly vote by a three-fifths majority and then a public vote.
A new constitution could reset Tshisekedi's presidential term count.
Voters in North and South Kivu might not vote in the 2028 presidential election or in a referendum because of the conflict there.
An Ebuteli survey published in June found 60 percent of Congolese questioned believe the country is going in the wrong direction, while more than 80 percent had a favourable view of Tshisekedi.
The opposition coalition known as C64 has opposed constitutional change and urged national dialogue before August 15 or threatened protests.
The United Nations condemned the death of at least one protester after a June 12 opposition protest in Kinshasa turned violent.
Source note: AFP news report published on 29 July 2026 at 15:49:36 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
It remains unclear whether Tshisekedi will formally seek a third term.
It is uncertain whether the opposition coalition can mobilise large protests.
Voters in North and South Kivu might not be able to take part in a 2028 presidential election or referendum.
Source
AFP news report published on .