Congo Constitutional Battle: Tshisekedi's Reform Push Ignites 2028 Succession Crisis

President Felix Tshisekedi's administration has proposed a series of constitutional amendments that critics say are designed to consolidate his grip on power and delay or manipulate the 2028 presidential election. The reform package, which is currently being debated in parliament, includes provisions to overhaul the electoral commission, extend the presidential term to six years, and introduce a two-term limit that would not apply retroactively—potentially allowing Tshisekedi to reset the clock and seek re-election in 2028 and again in 2034.

The move has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition parties, civil society groups, and some members of Tshisekedi's own Sacred Union coalition. They argue the reforms are a thinly veiled attempt to sideline rivals and subvert the democratic process. "This is not about improving governance; it is about one man's ambition to stay in power indefinitely," said opposition leader Moise Katumbi in a statement. Protesters have taken to the streets in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma, calling for the government to abandon the plan.

Tshisekedi, who was first elected in 2019 after a disputed vote that ended Joseph Kabila's 18-year rule, has defended the reforms as necessary to strengthen state institutions, streamline elections, and reduce political violence. His allies argue that the current constitution, drafted after the 2003 peace accords, is outdated and poorly suited to the DRC's vast size and complex ethnic landscape. "The people of Congo deserve a system that works for them, not one that perpetuates crisis," said government spokesman Patrick Muyaya.

The battle is being watched closely in Washington, Brussels, and Beijing. The DRC is the world's largest producer of cobalt and a major source of copper, gold, and coltan—minerals critical for batteries, electronics, and green energy. Western governments have urged Tshisekedi to respect the constitution and ensure a free and fair election in 2028, while also cautioning against any move that could trigger renewed violence in a region already plagued by armed conflict in the east.

The constitutional court is expected to rule on the legality of the reform push in the coming weeks. If Tshisekedi succeeds, analysts warn that the DRC could follow a path similar to other African nations where leaders have used constitutional changes to extend their rule, such as Rwanda’s Paul Kagame or Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni. If the push fails, it could fracture the ruling coalition and create a volatile power vacuum.

Why This Matters

The DRC holds the world's largest reserves of cobalt, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries and electronics. Political instability in the country could disrupt global supply chains and drive up prices for tech and automotive industries.
A contested 2028 election or violent power transition could plunge the DRC into its deadliest conflict in decades, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the east where over 120 armed groups operate and millions are displaced.
The outcome of this constitutional battle will set a precedent for other African nations where leaders are approaching term limits, potentially emboldening further efforts to entrench authoritarian rule.

Background

President Felix Tshisekedi came to power in 2019 following a disputed election that ended Joseph Kabila's 18-year presidency. Kabila had himself delayed elections and clung to power amid deep constitutional crises. The DRC's current constitution was adopted after the 2003 peace accords that ended the Second Congo War, a conflict that killed millions. In 2021, Tshisekedi forged an alliance with Kabila's political bloc, only to later break away and consolidate his own Sacred Union coalition. Rumors of a constitutional tweak have circulated since early 2023, but the formal proposal only emerged in recent weeks, catching many observers off guard.

Key Perspectives

President Tshisekedi and allies: They argue the reforms are necessary to stabilize a vast, fractured country. They say the current constitution creates a weak executive prone to paralysis and that the electoral cycle is too short to allow meaningful development. They frame opposition as obstruction by elites who benefited from the old system. Opposition parties (Moise Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, etc.): They accuse Tshisekedi of a power grab. They contend the reforms are illegal, unconstitutional, and a betrayal of the democratic aspirations that ended Kabila's era. They call for mass protests and international pressure. Civil society and Catholic Church: The influential Catholic Church, which played a key role in past electoral mediation, has warned that tampering with the constitution so close to an election is reckless. They fear a repeat of the 2018 violence and have called for an inclusive national dialogue before any changes are made.

What to Watch

The pending ruling from the Constitutional Court on the legality of the reform process—expected within weeks.
The reaction of the military and security forces: any sign of cracks in loyalty to Tshisekedi could signal a coup risk or internal conflict.
Statements from the European Union, United States, and African Union—sanctions or diplomatic intervention could reshape the calculus.
The timing of a potential national dialogue or referendum: if Tshisekedi pushes ahead without them, unrest is likely to escalate.

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