DR Congo: Tshisekedi Eases Path for Third Term Referendum

• DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has signed a law simplifying the requirements for constitutional referendums.
• This legislative change could enable constitutional amendments, potentially allowing Tshisekedi to seek a third term ahead of the 2028 elections.
• Opposition parties accuse Tshisekedi of attempting to bypass current constitutional limits that restrict presidents to two terms.
• The development coincides with growing political tensions and renewed conflict in eastern DR Congo, with former president Joseph Kabila threatening intervention.
• Opposition groups firmly reject any constitutional changes, a third term, or the postponement of the 2028 elections.

The recent legislative action by President Felix Tshisekedi, easing the path for constitutional referendums, has ignited a fierce political debate, with opposition factions accusing him of maneuvering to secure a third presidential term ahead of the 2028 elections.

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has enacted a new law designed to simplify the process for holding constitutional referendums. This legislative change significantly lowers the bar for initiating such referendums, thereby creating a clear pathway for potential amendments to the nation's constitution. This development is particularly noteworthy as it unfolds in the lead-up to the crucial 2028 elections.

Immediately following the signing of this law, opposition parties in the DR Congo voiced strong condemnation. They contend that President Tshisekedi's actions are a calculated maneuver to circumvent existing constitutional provisions and secure an unconstitutional third term in office, directly challenging the established DRC presidential term limits.

The current constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo explicitly restricts presidents to two terms. President Tshisekedi, who assumed office in 2019, is currently in his second term. The opposition's accusations stem from the belief that the newly signed law is intended to facilitate a DR Congo constitutional amendment that would remove or alter these term limits, allowing him to contest the 2028 elections.

Adding to these concerns, President Tshisekedi has previously indicated his willingness to accept an additional term should the populace express a desire for it. This past statement, combined with the recent easing of referendum requirements, fuels the perception among critics that the move is a deliberate step towards consolidating power beyond the constitutionally mandated period, raising questions about the future of democratic governance in the nation.

This significant legislative shift occurs amidst a backdrop of escalating political tensions across the DR Congo, further straining the country's fragile political stability. The situation is compounded by renewed conflict in the eastern regions, which has historically been a flashpoint for unrest and humanitarian crises.

Notably, former president Joseph Kabila has emerged as a vocal critic, now reportedly linked to a renamed rebel movement. Kabila has issued threats to forcefully end what he describes as tyranny, directly challenging the current administration. This confluence of internal political maneuvering, opposition outcry, and external threats from a former leader underscores the precarious state of affairs in the DR Congo.

Opposition groups have unequivocally rejected any attempts to modify the constitution, particularly any changes that would enable a third term for President Tshisekedi. Their stance is firm against any form of constitutional amendment that could be perceived as a power grab or an erosion of democratic principles.

Furthermore, these groups have also expressed strong opposition to any potential postponement of the Felix Tshisekedi 2028 elections. They insist that the electoral calendar must be respected and that the country's democratic processes, including adherence to existing DR Congo referendum law and presidential term limits, must remain uncompromised. The stage is now set for a contentious political period leading up to the next presidential contest.

This development signals potential constitutional changes that could impact the rule of law, political stability, and investment climate in the DR Congo. Lawyers advising clients with interests in the DRC should monitor these developments closely for implications on political risk, contractual stability, and potential shifts in the legal and regulatory landscape, particularly concerning the 2028 elections.

Source: Original reporting via All of Africa Today