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Jun 16, 20261
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Congo Opposition Protests Bill That Could Allow President Tshisekedi Third Term
Congo's opposition condemned a bill approved by the Senate and National Assembly that would allow President Félix Tshisekedi to bypass constitutional term limits and potentially seek a third term. The unified opposition coalition, C64, staged boycotts and protests, with leader Martin Fayulu planning a march on July 8 to demand Tshisekedi's resignation.
Quick Facts
Who
Félix Tshisekedi
What
Senate approved bill allowing constitutional referendum
When
Monday (Senate approval)
Where
Democratic Republic of Congo
- Senate approved bill allowing constitutional referendum
- National Assembly approved bill earlier
- Opposition boycotted parliamentary votes
- Violent clashes erupted at anti-bill protest in Kinshasa
- Opposition coalition united against the bill
The opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo has condemned a bill approved by the Senate that could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to serve a third term, accusing the government of attempting to circumvent constitutional limits and consolidate power. The bill, which passed the Senate on Monday and the National Assembly earlier, would allow for a referendum on a new constitution in which Tshisekedi's previous mandates would not count against him, effectively resetting his term count. The legislation now awaits the president's signature.
Tshisekedi, 62, has served as president since 2019 and has stated he would seek a third term if voters approve it in a referendum, though no date has been set. The bill circumvents Congo's explicit constitutional prohibition on revising presidential term limits by allowing the president to amend the constitution in cases of "major dysfunction" that paralyze state institutions. Critics argue this represents a political maneuver to extend his rule despite the constitutional restrictions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces multiple crises, including an Ebola outbreak and an escalating decades-long conflict with the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, amid competition from over 100 armed groups for control of eastern provinces. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2028, though Tshisekedi has stated that elections cannot be held until the conflict is resolved and stability returns.
Opposition parties, which had been divided in recent years, united in May under the banner of C64 (Article 64 Coalition) to oppose the bill. Opposition lawmakers boycotted both Senate and National Assembly votes to protest the legislation. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu declared that "Tshisekedi has betrayed his oath to respect the Constitution and therefore it is worthless," and announced a march on July 8 toward the presidential palace to demand Tshisekedi's resignation.
The parliamentary votes were marred by violent clashes at anti-bill protests in Kinshasa, the capital, where several people were injured, including opposition leaders Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund, and Delly Sesanga. Senate President Jean-Michel Sama Lukondé defended the vote, arguing it provides the Congolese people a framework to "exercise their sovereignty" through a referendum.
Why This Matters
This constitutional crisis threatens democratic norms in a strategically important Central African nation already grappling with security crises and humanitarian disasters. If Tshisekedi successfully resets his term count through a new constitution, it would undermine the principle of presidential term limits across the region and embolden similar power-consolidation efforts elsewhere. The unified opposition movement and street violence signal deep political instability that could destabilize the broader region.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2019
WireFélix Tshisekedi became president of Democratic Republic of Congo
Jun 14, 2026
WireSenate approved bill allowing constitutional referendum on term limits
Jun 16, 2026
WireOpposition condemned bill adoption; Martin Fayulu accused Tshisekedi of betraying constitution
Jul 8, 2026
WirePlanned opposition march toward presidential palace demanding Tshisekedi's resignation
Jan 1, 2028
WireNext scheduled presidential election in Congo