By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Democratic Republic of Congo’s President has hinted that he may seek a third term in office upon the expiration of his tenure 2028.
The East African country’s constitution allows a maximum of two terms. Félix Tshisekedi however said any extension of his presidency would be done by consulting the people through a referendum.
“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,” he told a press conference on Wednesday.
He added that the elections may not be held on schedule because of the conflict in the eastern region of the country.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels last year seized control of swathes of the North and South Kivu regions, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu.
Tshisekedi said voting could not be organised without the two regions, adding that the timing of the elections would depend on how quickly the conflict is resolved.
“If we cannot end this war, unfortunately, we will not be able to hold the elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said at a press conference, just his second in the capital, Kinshasa, since being re-elected to office in 2023.
The press conference at State House lasted more than three hours and was attended by over 200 journalists and supporters.
Congolese government forces have been battling the M23 as well as other local armed groups in eastern DR Congo for several years.
Rwanda denies supporting the M23 despite overwhelming evidence and says its military presence in the region is a defensive measure against threats posed by armed groups based in DR Congo.
Tshisekedi on Wednesday insisted that his priority was to restore peace through diplomacy before leaving office, but blamed Rwanda for obstructing progress.
He accused Rwanda of profiting from DR Congo’s rich mineral resources and dragging its feet on implementing the agreement signed in Washington in December.
“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.
He also addressed the recent sanctioning by the US of his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, for allegedly supporting rebel groups.
He described the situation as “a real mess”, lamenting that those who were once hailed as architects of democratic change had become “gravediggers”.
The opposition leaders have warned that any attempt to amend the constitution to allow Tshisekedi remain in office beyond 2028 would amount to a “constitutional coup”.
