DR Congo’s president has signed a law allowing the constitution to be changed or replaced through a referendum, a move opponents warn could pave the way for him to seek a third term in the mineral-rich country. Félix Tshisekedi, in power since 2019, is due to complete his second and final term under the current constitution in just over two years. He said in May he was not seeking constitutional changes to stay in power, but would accept a third term if the Congolese people wanted it.
The country was ruled by dictator Mobutu Sese Seko for three decades until his overthrow in 1997. After years of war, its 2006 constitution introduced safeguards against a return to dictatorship, including presidential term limits. But Tshisekedi’s predecessor, Joseph Kabila, still stayed in office for two years after his final term expired.
Opposition leaders have joined forces to resist any attempt to extend Tshisekedi’s rule, organizing protests at home and seeking support from European governments. They argue that a referendum cannot override the constitution’s ban on changing presidential term limits.
— Ruben Nyanguila
