President Félix Tshisekedi has indicated he could consider seeking a third term in office beyond 2028, saying any extension of his mandate would depend on public approval through a referendum.
Speaking on Wednesday, the leader of the Democratic Republic of the Congo stressed that he has not formally requested an additional term, but would accept one if supported by the population.
“I have not asked for a third term, but I’m telling you—if the people want me to have a third term, I will accept,” Tshisekedi said.
Under the country’s constitution, presidents are limited to two terms in office.
However, Tshisekedi suggested that the 2028 elections could be affected by the ongoing conflict in the country’s eastern region, where armed groups have destabilised large areas.
He cited continued insecurity in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, where the M23 rebel group has seized key territories including the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
The president warned that elections may not proceed on schedule if the conflict is not resolved.
“If we cannot end this war, unfortunately, we will not be able to hold the elections in 2028,” he said during a lengthy press conference in Kinshasa.
The event, held at the State House overlooking the River Congo, lasted more than three hours and was attended by over 200 journalists and political supporters.
The eastern DR Congo conflict has persisted for years, with government forces battling the M23 rebel group, which is widely believed by international observers to receive backing from neighbouring Rwanda—a claim Kigali denies.
United States has previously imposed sanctions on some Rwandan military officials, accusing them of contributing to the instability in eastern DR Congo, even as diplomatic efforts continue under a US-brokered peace framework.
Tshisekedi reiterated that restoring peace remains his top priority, but accused Rwanda of delaying progress in negotiations and benefiting from the exploitation of Congo’s mineral resources.
“It’s going to take time, because Rwanda has long profited by looting resources, and that’s why the negotiations are dragging on,” he said.
The president also commented on recent US sanctions against former leader Joseph Kabila, describing the situation as “a real mess” and lamenting the reversal of roles among political figures once seen as champions of democracy.
His remarks on a possible third term come amid growing criticism from opposition parties, who accuse him of attempting to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits.
A bill submitted to parliament in March outlines the framework for holding a referendum, which supporters say would strengthen democracy but critics argue could be used to overturn presidential term limits.
Under DR Congo’s constitution, any amendment must be approved either by a three-fifths parliamentary majority or through a national referendum called by the president.
Opposition groups have warned that any attempt to change term limits would amount to what they describe as a “constitutional coup.”
