The Congolese opposition condemned a Senate-approved bill that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term by enabling a referendum on a rewritten constitution that would not count his earlier terms. The measure, which already passed the National Assembly, now awaits the president’s signature and is criticized for creating a broad "major dysfunction" exception to constitutional term-limit protections. Opposition parties united under C64 have organized protests, including a July 8 march, after demonstrations in Kinshasa turned violent and injured several leaders.
Congo Opposition Condemns Bill Seen As Paving Way For President Tshisekedi's Third Term
FILE - Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo speaks during the Homegoing Celebration of Life for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, March 7, 2026, at Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
DAKAR, Senegal — Congo’s opposition on Tuesday condemned the passage of a bill critics say could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, calling the measure a potential power grab that undermines the constitution.
What the Bill Would Do
The bill, approved by the Senate on Monday after earlier passing the National Assembly, would permit a referendum on a rewritten constitution that effectively treats Tshisekedi’s previous terms as if they did not count — resetting the presidential clock. The measure now awaits the president’s signature.
Legal Controversy
Under the current constitution, presidential term limits are explicitly unamendable. The new legislation attempts to sidestep that safeguard by authorizing constitutional changes in cases of a so-called “major dysfunction” that allegedly paralyzes state institutions — a broad exception that opponents say could be abused to remove term limits.
Political Fallout
Both parliamentary votes were conducted without opposition lawmakers, who staged a walkout weeks ago in protest. Main opposition parties — long fragmented — united in May under the banner C64 (Coalition Article 64) to oppose the bill and mobilize public resistance.
"Tshisekedi has betrayed his oath to respect the constitution and is therefore worthless," opposition leader Martin Fayulu declared at a coalition news conference, where he announced a march to the presidential palace on July 8 demanding the president’s resignation.
Protests and Violence
The Senate vote follows violent clashes at an anti-bill protest in Kinshasa earlier this week, in which several people — including opposition figures Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund and Delly Sesanga — were injured. Opposition leaders and civil society groups have warned of further demonstrations.
Security and Timing
Tshisekedi, 62, who has served since 2019, said he would seek a third term only if voters approved it in a referendum; no date has been set. He also warned last month that the Democratic Republic of Congo cannot organize credible elections — scheduled for 2028 — unless the ongoing insecurity is resolved. The country faces an Ebola outbreak and a renewed escalation in the long-running conflict in the east, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are among more than 100 armed groups operating in the region.
Senate President Jean-Michel Sama Lukondé defended the vote, saying it provides a framework for the Congolese people to "exercise their sovereignty" via referendum. Opponents say the measure violates the spirit — and letter — of the constitution and threatens democratic norms.
Saleh Mwanamilongo reported from Bonn, Germany.
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