President Felix Tshisekedi's reform agenda has ignited a constitutional clash over the 2028 presidential succession. Opposition coalition C64 and the government are at odds over a referendum that could pave the way for a third term, while an eastern insurgency threatens election logistics.

  • Tshisekedi’s second term ends in 2028, but constitutional tweaks could allow a third term.
  • Opposition C64 plans a nationwide protest on September 15 targeting the Palais du Peuple.
  • The M23‑AFC conflict in eastern Congo jeopardizes the credibility of any 2028 vote.

Kinshasa, DRC – President Felix Tshisekedi is slated to leave office in 2028 under the current constitution, yet his push for institutional reform is reshaping the political battlefield. Critics fear the changes could eventually erase the two‑term limit.

Background

Under the existing charter, a president serves a five‑year term, renewable once, and the term‑limit clause is shielded from amendment. In May, Tshisekedi publicly stated he does not seek a third term but would accept it if the Congolese people demand it, reviving opposition anxieties about a future constitutional overhaul.

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The Referendum Bill

In June, Parliament passed a law outlining a “major dysfunction” trigger that would convene a constituent assembly followed by a national referendum. The Constitutional Court upheld the bill in July, noting several problematic provisions. On August 10, Tshisekedi formally asked the heads of the National Assembly and Senate to revisit the legislation, and the issue has been placed on the September agenda.

Opposition Mobilisation (C64)

The main opposition bloc, known as C64 or the Article 64 coalition, derives its name from the constitutional clause that obliges citizens to oppose any unconstitutional seizure of power. C64 has scheduled a mass demonstration for September 15, aiming to converge on the Palais du Peuple, the seat of parliament, to block any attempt to extend Tshisekedi’s mandate.

War in the East and Election Feasibility

The M23 rebel group, operating within the broader Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), controls large swathes of Goma and Bukavu. The government accuses Rwanda of backing M23, a claim Kigali denies. Tshisekedi warned that sustained fighting could make a credible 2028 election impossible, as large territories remain outside state control.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the constitutional showdown not only threatens the democratic transition in the DRC but also risks international investment and regional stability, especially as neighboring countries watch the precedent set for term‑limit reforms.

“Without constitutional stability, economic growth is unattainable, and this conflict will undermine both,” says political analyst Emmanuel Bugama.
Did You Know?: If the 2028 vote is delayed, Article 64 allows for an interim presidential council to assume power until a new election is organised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Tshisekedi actually want a third term?
A1: He has publicly denied personal ambition, but he left the door open for a “people’s mandate,” which could be used to justify constitutional change.

Q2: Would a constitutional amendment be recognized internationally?
A2: International legitimacy hinges on democratic process; if the amendment follows a transparent referendum, many countries may accept it, though some will remain skeptical.