In a move that has raised concerns about the future of democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Felix Tshisekedi has announced the establishment of a commission to explore possible revisions to the country’s constitution. These changes may include the removal of presidential term limits, potentially allowing Tshisekedi to pursue a third term in office. The decision, which comes just months after Tshisekedi was sworn in for his second and final term, has already sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
Speaking to his supporters in Kisangani, Tshisekedi asserted that the 2005 constitution, ratified by referendum, no longer reflects the “current realities” of the country. The President downplayed concerns over the potential constitutional amendments, stating, “You have heard about a potential change to the constitution, we should not be afraid that this subject will be addressed.” Tshisekedi further insisted that it should be up to the Congolese people to decide whether the provision limiting presidential terms to two should remain in place.
This announcement, however, has been met with fierce opposition, with critics accusing Tshisekedi of following the pattern of other African leaders who have manipulated constitutional frameworks to extend their hold on power. Opposition leader Claudel Lubaya condemned the move, stating, “By changing the rules of the game to stay in power, the current regime is only seeking to prolong its political survival to the detriment of the people’s legitimate aspirations for fair, transparent governance.”
Tshisekedi’s contested re-election in December, which saw him secure a second term amidst allegations of electoral irregularities, had already left many questioning the legitimacy of his administration. His latest decision risks deepening political instability in the DRC, a country that has endured decades of conflict and political turbulence, exacerbated by competition for control over its vast mineral resources. Critics argue that Tshisekedi’s proposal undermines the democratic gains achieved since the 2005 constitution was enacted, which was intended to stabilise the country after years of dictatorship and civil war.
Moise Katumbi, a prominent opposition leader and runner-up in the disputed December election, rejected Tshisekedi’s call for constitutional change, remarking, “Congo’s problem is bad governance, not the constitution.” Katumbi, who has long been an outspoken critic of Tshisekedi, maintains that the current constitution was approved by the Congolese people and should not be tampered with to serve political interests.
The situation in the DRC echoes similar scenarios across Africa, where leaders have amended or scrapped presidential term limits to remain in power. In Guinea, former President Alpha Conde’s 2020 constitutional referendum allowed him to seek a controversial third term, while Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has remained in office for over four decades, aided by constitutional changes. Tshisekedi’s critics argue that any attempt to revise the constitution would erode trust in the country’s institutions and further entrench a culture of impunity among its political elites.
The mineral-rich nation is at a delicate juncture. While Tshisekedi maintains that the proposed changes are necessary to reflect the evolving political landscape, opposition voices warn that altering the constitution could plunge the DRC into yet another period of political uncertainty and unrest. The question of whether the Congolese people will embrace or resist such changes looms large as Tshisekedi prepares to convene the commission next year.
As the DRC teeters on the brink of potential upheaval, Tshisekedi’s moves will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers. For now, the prospect of a third term remains speculative, but the mere suggestion of constitutional revision has ignited a fierce debate about the future of democracy in the DRC and the risks of political regression.
