DR Congo Opposition Rejects President Tshisekedi’s Third-Term Bid

The dispute unfolds as conflict rages in eastern Congo. Tshisekedi also cautioned that the presidential elections scheduled for 2028 could be postponed because of the fighting in eastern DR Congo.

DR Congo Opposition Rejects President Tshisekedi’s Third-Term Bid
Central-Africa Newsroom May 11, 2026 1 min read
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President Félix Tshisekedi has ignited a political backlash in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after saying he would consider a third term if citizens called for it, a statement that opposition leaders swiftly denounced.

The constitution restricts presidents to two terms, and Tshisekedi said any modification would be decided by referendum. His critics counter that Article 220 expressly forbids changing presidential term limits, accusing him of laying the groundwork to prolong his time in office.

The dispute unfolds as conflict rages in eastern Congo. Tshisekedi also cautioned that the presidential elections scheduled for 2028 could be postponed because of the fighting in eastern DR Congo.