Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has announced plans to establish a commission exploring constitutional revisions, potentially removing presidential term limits.
The move comes after his contested re-election in December, raising concerns about political instability in the mineral-rich nation.
Addressing supporters in Kisangani, Tshisekedi argued that the 2005 constitution no longer aligns with current realities and suggested the people should decide on term limits.
The proposed commission is scheduled to begin work next year. Opposition leaders view this initiative as an attempt to extend his power, drawing parallels with similar actions in other African nations like Guinea under Alpha Conde and Cameroon under Paul Biya.
Opposition figure Claudel Lubaya criticized the move as prioritizing political survival over good governance, while Moise Katumbi, runner-up in the December election, emphasized that bad governance, not the constitution, is Congo’s primary challenge.
The president’s announcement has intensified political tensions in a country already grappling with decades of conflict. Critics argue that constitutional reform could trigger further unrest and compromise democratic progress.
Despite facing opposition, Tshisekedi maintains that constitutional revision discussions should not be feared, though his opponents see it as a divisive strategy.
The president was sworn into office in January after winning a second and final term, making his push for constitutional reform particularly controversial among political observers and opposition leaders.