The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has passed a key bill that could pave the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office, intensifying political debate in the Central African nation.
The bill, which was passed on Monday, concerns the organisation of referendums in the country. While it is described as a technical legal framework, it is widely seen as an important step that could allow constitutional changes, including the removal of presidential term limits.
The Senate’s approval came just days after violent clashes between supporters and opponents of the government during protests against plans to amend the constitution. The opposition has strongly condemned the move, accusing the president of attempting to extend his stay in power beyond what is allowed under the current law.
Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019, is currently serving his second five-year term, which is due to end in 2028. Under the existing constitution, he is not eligible to run again.
However, recent comments by the president have fueled speculation about his future political plans. Last month, Tshisekedi said he would be willing to continue leading the country for a third term “if the people wish it,” suggesting that any extension of his rule would depend on a national referendum.
The referendum bill passed by the Senate does not directly change the constitution. Instead, it provides the legal structure for holding referendums in the country. Nevertheless, critics say it could be used as a pathway to alter the constitutional provision that limits presidents to two terms in office.
The legislation had already been approved by the lower house of parliament earlier this month before being sent to the Senate for final approval. Following its passage in the Senate, the bill now awaits review by the Constitutional Court before being forwarded to the president for assent.
If signed into law, it would give the government a legal mechanism to organise a referendum on constitutional reforms, including possible changes to presidential term limits.
The development has deepened political tensions in the DRC, a country that has long struggled with instability, armed conflict and governance challenges.
The opposition has accused President Tshisekedi of attempting to consolidate power and undermine democratic progress. Several opposition parties recently formed a coalition to resist any attempt to change the constitution for political advantage.
They argue that the two-term limit is a key safeguard designed to prevent authoritarian rule and ensure peaceful transitions of power.
Public anger over the issue spilled into the streets last week, when anti-government and pro-government groups clashed during protests in the capital and other cities. The demonstrations turned violent, with reports of injuries and confrontations involving security forces.
AFP journalists at the scene reported that opposition figures were among those injured during the unrest. While official casualty figures have not been released, local human rights organisations said at least two bodies were recovered following the clashes.
The government has not issued a detailed statement on the incidents, but security forces have increased their presence in major cities following the unrest.
The political crisis comes at a time when the DRC is facing multiple national challenges, including ongoing insecurity in its eastern region and public health emergencies.
The eastern part of the country continues to suffer from attacks by armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, which have displaced thousands of people and created a worsening humanitarian situation.
At the same time, the country is battling a renewed Ebola outbreak, adding pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system.
Despite these challenges, President Tshisekedi’s ruling coalition maintains a strong majority in parliament, giving it significant influence over legislative decisions.
This dominance has raised concerns among critics who argue that the government could push through controversial reforms without sufficient opposition resistance.
In recent months, political analysts have warned that constitutional reform debates in Africa often trigger instability, particularly when they involve term limit extensions for sitting presidents.
Several African countries have experienced similar political tensions in the past, where attempts to extend presidential tenure have led to protests, political crises or constitutional amendments.
Opposition leaders in the DRC have vowed to continue resisting any attempt to change the constitution for political gain. They insist that the focus of government should be on addressing insecurity, poverty and infrastructure challenges rather than constitutional reform.
Civil society groups have also called for transparency and public consultation if any referendum is to be held, stressing that citizens must have a clear understanding of what is at stake.
For now, the future of the referendum bill rests with the Constitutional Court, which must determine its legality before it can proceed further.