DRC : CENCO warns against a third term for Félix Tshisekedi

SOS Médias Burundi

Goma, June 23, 2026 – In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a strong warning against any political initiative that could pave the way for a third term for President Félix Tshisekedi.

Meeting in an extraordinary plenary assembly from June 18 to 20, the Catholic bishops published a statement reaffirming their commitment to strict adherence to the 2006 Constitution. They warn that any attempt to modify the provisions relating to presidential term limits could undermine the country’s institutional stability.

In their message, read by the Secretary General of the CENCO (National Episcopal Conference of Congo), Donatien Nshole, the prelates reiterated that the political stability of the Democratic Republic of Congo rests on respect for the constitutional order and the commitments made to the nation. They called on the Head of State to “honor the oath he swore before God and the people” at his inauguration.

According to the CENCO, any attempt to challenge the existing constitutional provisions would constitute a breach of the republican pact forged during various political crises the country has experienced.

This stance comes amidst a renewed political debate following the recent adoption by Parliament of a law governing the organization of referendums. The bishops believe this legislation could pave the way for a popular consultation potentially affecting provisions considered sacrosanct, particularly those concerning the duration and number of presidential terms.

Catholic Church officials also assert that the intentions of certain political actors are no longer in doubt, with several voices within the political class openly discussing the possibility of a new cycle of governance in favor of the current president.

For its part, the presidential majority rejects these interpretations. It maintains that the referendum law aims solely to strengthen the institutional framework and allow the sovereign people to express their views on major national issues.

The debate was reignited following several statements by President Félix Tshisekedi. Last May, during a press conference in Kinshasa, the head of state affirmed that he had not sought a third term, while declaring that he would abide by the popular will should it be so required. This statement immediately fueled speculation about his political intentions for 2028.

Faced with this situation, the CENCO (National Episcopal Conference of Congo) is calling on the Congolese people to remain vigilant and to oppose, through the law and peaceful means, any attempt to modify the constitutional provisions it considers entrenched.

The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo limits the presidential term to five years, renewable only once consecutively, for a maximum of two terms. Félix Tshisekedi, in office since 2019, is currently serving his second term.

The next presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo are scheduled for December 2028, in accordance with the current electoral calendar, barring institutional changes or force majeure.

This stance reinforces the central role of the Catholic Church in the political debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the question of a potential third term for Félix Tshisekedi is gradually emerging as one of the country’s main political issues.