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Congolese president signs contested referendum law amid fears over third-term bid
Opposition parties say the measure could clear a path for constitutional change and extend Tshisekedi’s rule beyond 2028.
- Congo President Felix Tshisekedi signed a new referendum law on Monday, according to a presidential ordinance read on state television on Tuesday. The legislation simplifies the process for calling national referendums.
- Because the 2006 constitution limits a president to two five-year terms, opposition parties fear the new legislation allows the incumbent to amend the charter and extend his rule.
- In late October 2026, the National Assembly voted 346 to zero on the 23rd, and the Senate followed with a 78 to zero vote on the 31st to pass the referendum bill.
- The development amounted to a "brutal closing of the door to dialogue," Christian Mwando, leading the opposition group Ensemble, warned regarding political reform in Kinshasa.
- Amid the political friction, the eastern DRC remains riven by conflict involving the Rwanda-backed M23, while opposition parties have sought to distance themselves from former president Joseph Kabila.
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22 Articles
22 Articles
Congolese president signs contested referendum law amid fears over third-term bid
The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, has approved a law to allow constitutional changes to be put to a referendum, a move critics say could lay the groundwork for him to seek a third term in power.
·London, United Kingdom
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With the end of his second term in sight, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi appears to be opening the door for a third term. His ruling party has been trying for months to garner support for a constitutional amendment that could keep him in power beyond 2028, much to the anger of the opposition.
·Kobbegem, Belgium
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left2Leaning Right7Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Right
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Right
54% Right
15%
C 31%
R 54%
Factuality
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