President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has suggested that he may consider seeking a third term in 2028, but only if the people support the idea through a referendum, even though the country’s constitution currently limits presidents to two terms in office.
Speaking during a press conference in Kinshasa, Tshisekedi said any decision to extend his stay in power would depend on public approval and national circumstances.
He emphasized that he is aware of the constitutional limits but left room for the possibility of change if the population expresses its will through a legal process.
His remarks have already sparked debate across the country and beyond, as they come at a time when the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing serious security challenges in its eastern region.
The president also linked the possibility of delaying the 2028 elections to the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebel group.
According to Tshisekedi, the situation in eastern DRC remains unstable, with rebel forces controlling key territories, including strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
He warned that holding national elections would be extremely difficult if large parts of the country remain outside government control.
He stated that without peace in the east, organizing elections would not be possible, stressing that security remains the top priority for his administration.
“If we cannot end this war, we will not be able to hold the 2028 elections,” he said during the briefing, which marked only his second press conference in the capital since his re-election in 2023.
The eastern part of the DRC has been plagued by armed conflict for years, with various rebel groups operating in the mineral-rich region.
The M23 rebel group, in particular, has been accused of seizing territory and displacing thousands of civilians, creating a major humanitarian crisis.
Tshisekedi’s comments reflect the difficult balance between constitutional governance and security realities in the country.
While the constitution clearly limits the presidency to two terms, his suggestion of a possible referendum indicates that political discussions about the future leadership structure may intensify in the coming years.
His statement has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the president is being realistic about the security situation and the challenges of organizing nationwide elections under current conditions. They say stability must come first before political processes can proceed smoothly.
Critics, however, view the remarks as an early indication of attempts to extend political power beyond constitutional limits.
They warn that any move to change term limits, even through a referendum, could set a dangerous precedent for democratic governance in the country.
The issue of elections in conflict zones remains a major concern for electoral authorities. Large-scale displacement of people, insecurity, and lack of government control in certain areas continue to pose logistical and safety challenges for voter registration and polling.
Tshisekedi’s government has repeatedly pledged to restore peace in the east, but progress has been slow.
Military operations against armed groups have had mixed results, and international efforts to mediate peace have yet to deliver lasting stability.
During the press conference, the president also highlighted the importance of national unity in addressing the crisis.
He called on political actors, civil society, and citizens to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding affected regions.
He insisted that his focus remains on stabilizing the country and protecting civilians before any political ambitions can be considered.
However, his openness to a potential third-term debate has now added a new layer of political uncertainty ahead of the 2028 elections.
As the situation develops, attention will likely remain on both the security conditions in eastern Congo and the evolving political discourse in Kinshasa.
For now, the president’s remarks have placed the future of the country’s leadership and electoral roadmap under renewed scrutiny.
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