DRC’s constitutional battle: The fight over the 2028 vote
Summary
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi is set to leave office in 2028 under the current constitution, but a political fight is ongoing about possible constitutional changes that could affect this timeline. His supporters want reforms that could lead to a referendum, while opposition groups fear these changes might allow Tshisekedi to stay in power longer than two terms.Key Facts
- The current DRC constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms and protects this limit from being changed.
- President Tshisekedi said in May he has not sought a third term but might accept it if the people want him to continue.
- Parliament passed a law to organize a referendum for possible constitutional changes, which the Constitutional Court approved with some concerns.
- Opposition groups, including the C64 coalition, are protesting, saying constitutional reforms might be used to extend Tshisekedi’s rule beyond 2028.
- Large protests against constitutional changes took place in eastern cities Goma and Bukavu in July and are planned in Kinshasa in September.
- The conflict is happening while the DRC faces armed rebellion in the east by groups like M23 within the Alliance Fleuve Congo coalition.
- President Tshisekedi plans to hold a national dialogue to address the political tensions.
- Opposition politicians warn that changing the constitution during ongoing conflict could worsen divisions in the country.
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