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DRC constitutional reform push sparks political tension over 2028 vote

Opposition groups warn President Felix Tshisekedi may use institutional changes to extend his presidency amid ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 01:17 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • DRC President Felix Tshisekedi asked parliament on August 10 to reconsider referendum legislation following observations by the Constitutional Court, with lawmakers planning to address it in September.
  • Opposition groups under the C64 coalition have called for nationwide protests starting September 15, alleging the reform process could be used to bypass the two-term limit.
  • The political dispute is occurring alongside an armed conflict in the east, where the AFC coalition and M23 control key cities including Goma and Bukavu.
  • Tshisekedi has proposed an inclusive national dialogue with political parties, civil society, and religious groups, though a date and format have not been finalized.

Key facts

  • Under the current DRC constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms, a provision protected from constitutional revision.[Al Jazeera]
  • In May, President Tshisekedi stated he had not sought a third term but would accept one if desired by the Congolese people.[Al Jazeera]
  • The DRC Parliament passed referendum legislation in June, which the Constitutional Court ruled compliant in July while raising concerns over specific provisions.[Al Jazeera]
  • Tshisekedi formally requested National Assembly and Senate leadership to reconsider the referendum bill on August 10.[Al Jazeera]
  • The C64 opposition coalition scheduled nationwide demonstrations for September 15, pointing to Article 64 of the constitution which urges resistance against unlawful power grabs.[Al Jazeera]
  • Tshisekedi warned that ongoing fighting in the eastern region could prevent holding the planned 2028 elections.[Al Jazeera]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether the proposed constituent assembly and referendum mechanisms will ultimately be utilized to modify presidential term limits remains uncertain.[Al Jazeera]
  • The specific timeline, structure, and participant list for President Tshisekedi's proposed national dialogue have not been determined.[Al Jazeera]

Sources