Congo president raises prospect of third term and vote delay,angering Opposition

KINSHASA – Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi said he would be open to seeking a third term, drawing sharp criticism from opposition politicians who accused him of trying to bypass constitutional term limits and cling to power.Tshisekedi also warned that continued fighting in the east could make it impossible to hold the next presidential election on time in 2028, raising the possibility of a delay that could deepen divisions in the mineral-rich nation, which has endured decades of conflict.Congo faced a prolonged political crisis under former president Joseph Kabila after he delayed elections beyond the end of his mandate in 2016, sparking deadly protests and international condemnation.Opposition warns against “slide”“I have not asked for a third term, but if the people want a third term, I will accept,” Tshisekedi told a press conference late on Wednesday, responding to questions about recent proposals by his allies to amend the constitution.Congo’s constitution currently limits presidents to two terms. Tshisekedi said any amendment would require a constitutional revision approved through a referendum.Opposition leaders condemned his remarks, warning they could push the country into renewed political instability.“The DRC cannot enter a new cycle of institutional tensions and the personalization of power. All democrats must stand against this slide,” former presidential candidate Delly Sesanga wrote on X after the press conference.Tshisekedi, son of veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, was re-elected in December 2023 for a second term.He first suggested revising the constitution in late 2024, arguing that the current charter was largely drafted by foreign legal experts and needed updating.Calls for constitutional reform have intensified in recent weeks. In April, Andre Mbata invited political parties, civil society groups, religious organisations, labour unions, and legal experts to submit proposals.Mbata said a technical commission would be formed after May 20 to review submissions before making recommendations to the president.War could affect election timingThe constitutional debate comes amid growing insecurity in eastern Congo, where the AFC/M23 coalition, a rebel group allegedly backed by Rwanda, controls large areas of territory.Rwanda has denied accusations by the United Nations and Western governments that it supports the insurgents.Fighting has continued despite mediation efforts led by the United States and others.“If this war cannot be ended, unfortunately we will not be able to organise elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said.“You cannot hold elections when parts of the country are occupied.”