DRC bishops caution against third term for president tshisekedi

Goma – In a significant development for the Democratic Republic of Congo, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a firm warning against any political maneuver that could pave the way for a third presidential term for Félix Tshisekedi.

During their extraordinary plenary assembly, held from June 18 to 20, the Catholic bishops released a statement unequivocally asserting their unwavering commitment to the strict adherence of the 2006 Constitution. They cautioned that any attempt to modify the constitutional provisions governing presidential term limits risks severely undermining the nation’s institutional stability.

The prelates’ message, delivered by CENCO Secretary General Donatien Nshole, underscored that the DRC’s political stability is intrinsically tied to respecting the constitutional order and the solemn commitments made to the nation. They urged the head of state to “honor the oath sworn before God and the people” upon his inauguration.

CENCO emphasized that any initiative challenging the existing constitutional framework would constitute a fundamental breach of the republican pact, a pact forged through the various political crises the country has endured.

This strong stance by the Church leaders comes amid renewed political debate, sparked by the recent parliamentary adoption of a law regulating the organization of referendums. The bishops voiced concerns that this legislation could potentially open the door to popular consultations that might affect what they consider immutable constitutional provisions, particularly those pertaining to the duration and number of presidential mandates.

Catholic Church officials further stated that the intentions of certain political actors are becoming clear, with several voices within the political class openly discussing the possibility of a new governance cycle favoring the current president.

Conversely, the presidential majority has dismissed these interpretations. They maintain that the referendum law’s sole purpose is to strengthen the institutional framework and enable the sovereign people to express their views on critical national issues.

The debate intensified following various statements from President Félix Tshisekedi himself. Last May, during a press conference in Kinshasa, the head of state affirmed that he had not sought a third term but added that he would comply with the popular will if it were to demand it. This declaration immediately fueled widespread speculation about his political intentions for the 2028 elections.

In response to this unfolding situation, CENCO has called upon the Congolese population to remain vigilant and to oppose, through legal and peaceful means, any attempt to modify what they consider to be entrenched constitutional provisions.

The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo stipulates a five-year presidential term, renewable only once consecutively, thereby limiting a president to a maximum of two terms. Félix Tshisekedi, who assumed office in 2019, is currently serving his second term.

The next presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo are slated for December 2028, in accordance with the current electoral calendar, barring any institutional changes or unforeseen circumstances.

This resolute position reinforces the pivotal role of the Catholic Church in the political discourse of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the question of a potential third term for Félix Tshisekedi increasingly emerges as one of the country’s foremost political challenges.