President Félix Tshisekedi has indicated that the Democratic Republic of the Congo may be unable to conduct its scheduled 2028 presidential elections if armed conflict in the country’s eastern provinces continues, placing national security and territorial integrity at the centre of the government’s political priorities.
Speaking during a press conference in Kinshasa on Wednesday, Tshisekedi said the ongoing violence in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces has created conditions that could make nationwide elections difficult to organise in a manner that guarantees full national participation.
The Congolese president described the situation in eastern DRC as a prolonged security crisis that continues to threaten state institutions, civilian livelihoods and economic stability. He stated that his administration would not support elections that exclude populations living in conflict affected provinces.
“If we cannot end this war, unfortunately, we will not be able to organise elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said, adding that any delay would stem from prevailing security conditions rather than a political unwillingness to hold elections.
The statement comes amid intensified fighting involving the March 23 Movement, commonly known as M23, which has expanded its territorial presence in parts of eastern DRC since early 2025. According to reports from the United Nations, renewed clashes have contributed to significant civilian displacement, mounting humanitarian pressures and growing regional diplomatic concern.
Eastern DRC has experienced cycles of armed conflict for more than three decades, shaped by a complex interplay of historical grievances, regional tensions, competition over mineral resources and weak institutional control in border regions. The resurgence of M23 has once again drawn attention to unresolved questions surrounding sovereignty, governance and regional security cooperation within the Great Lakes region.
Tshisekedi said his government continues to prioritise military reforms and investment in the armed forces, arguing that the Congolese military inherited longstanding structural weaknesses, including inadequate equipment and organisational challenges. He noted that efforts to strengthen the defence sector are ongoing as authorities seek to restore state authority in affected territories.
At the same time, the Congolese government has continued to support diplomatic engagement aimed at securing a political resolution to the conflict. Regional mediation efforts led through African institutions, including the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, have sought to encourage dialogue while addressing wider concerns around armed group activity and cross border insecurity.
The conflict has also highlighted the broader social consequences of prolonged instability across the region. Humanitarian agencies have warned of increasing displacement, pressure on local health systems and disruptions to education and agricultural production. Communities in eastern DRC continue to bear the human cost of insecurity, with many families displaced multiple times over successive waves of violence.
Political analysts note that Tshisekedi’s remarks reflect the growing intersection between security governance and democratic processes in conflict affected states. While constitutional provisions currently require elections to take place in December 2028, observers suggest that the trajectory of the conflict will likely shape both the political environment and public confidence in future electoral processes.
Tshisekedi first assumed office in 2019 following a disputed election and secured a second term after the 2023 presidential vote. Under the current constitution, he is expected to leave office at the end of his second mandate in 2028.
Across Africa, debates around elections, security and constitutional continuity continue to raise wider questions about how democratic institutions can function effectively in contexts marked by armed conflict and humanitarian strain. In the case of the DRC, the challenge remains not only the organisation of future elections, but also the pursuit of lasting peace and inclusive state reconstruction in regions that have endured decades of instability.
For many Congolese citizens, the immediate concern remains the restoration of security, dignity and normalcy in communities affected by conflict. Regional observers argue that sustainable peace in eastern DRC will require not only military responses, but also long term investment in governance, regional trust building, economic inclusion and accountable political institutions rooted in the aspirations of local communities.
