DR Congo court backs law in Tshisekedi term row

Democratic Republic of Congo's constitutional court approved a referendum law on Tuesday that critics say could open the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term.

Tshisekedi, 63, came to power in 2019. His second five-year mandate, which is his final term under current rules, is due to end in late 2028.

DR Congo's constitution states that the number and length of presidential terms cannot be revised. Opposition parties have opposed a bill backed by the ruling majority that would change rules for holding constitutional referendums.

Constitutional Court president Dieudonne Kamuleta Badibanga announced on state television that the proposed law was in line with the constitution. The court approved clauses that could allow the president to amend the constitution through a constituent assembly followed by a referendum in the event of a “major dysfunction” of state institutions.

Judges expressed reservations about other provisions, including one that would allow the president to call a referendum on any issue deemed of “fundamental” importance.

Parliament passed the bill in June, where Tshisekedi's coalition holds a large majority. It still requires the president's signature to become law.

Tshisekedi has denied seeking a third term, but told a press conference in May: “If the people want me to have a third term, I will accept.”

A planned opposition protest against the reform was postponed this month after the government announced a national dialogue. The government has not yet said who will take part.

The ruling comes as DR Congo is battling a growing Ebola outbreak and an offensive by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in the east.