Is DR Congo set to change its presidential term limits?

Last updated on November 5th, 2024 at 09:32 am

The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is turning a bit controversial lately. During a speech on October 23 in Kisangani, President Felix Tshisekedi proposed steps to change the constitution of the country, describing it as “outdated”.

Tshisekedi had previously promised to respect constitutional obligations. But during his recent speech, he described the current constitution as “not adapted to the country’s realities”. He even floated the idea of a change to presidential term limits.

Tshisekedi became the President of DR Congo for the second time in December 2023. Many rights groups and other civil society organisations criticised the announcement, fearing that the incumbent leader seeks to bypass the constitutional 2-term limit.

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2006 constitution bans modifications to presidential term limits

The issue of presidential term limits is deeply connected to DR Congo’s history. Under the 2006 constitution, established by former President Joseph Kabila, it is not permitted to modify “the number and length of terms of office of the President.”

But Kabila controversially remained in his office beyond the end of his constitutionally mandated second term. During that time, Felix Tshisekedi called on the late president to respect the country’s constitution.Tshisekedi plans to set up a Commission to draft a fresh constitution next year, as per reports. But he has indicated that the decision to remove presidential term limits is up to the people. Some government officials have expressed support for a revision.