Congolese opposition leader Delly Sesanga has urged President Felix Tshisekedi to abandon proposed constitutional changes, warning that any amendment that could enable a third presidential term would threaten the country’s democratic institutions. Sesanga, leader of the ENVOL party and a member of the C64 opposition coalition, said the opposition’s main objective is to ensure Tshisekedi leaves office when his current mandate ends in 2028. Tshisekedi has been president since 2019 and won re-election in December 2023. Under the current constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms, meaning he would be constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.
The debate comes as the government faces a major security crisis in eastern Congo, where the Rwanda-backed M23 movement controls significant territory in North and South Kivu. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels, while the Congolese government and international observers have repeatedly accused Kigali of providing military backing to the group. Sesanga also called for a broader political dialogue to address the conflict, arguing that peace efforts should include M23, former President Joseph Kabila, AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa and other Congolese opposition figures living outside the country.
He said neither the government nor M23 was likely to achieve a decisive military victory and urged the parties to focus on negotiations to end the fighting and reduce the suffering of civilians. The government has previously resisted calls for M23 to participate in a nationwide political dialogue, while separate diplomatic initiatives continue to seek a ceasefire and political settlement. With presidential elections expected in 2028, the constitutional debate is likely to become increasingly important. The opposition says protecting the existing presidential term limits and creating an inclusive political process are essential to preventing further instability in a country already facing armed conflict, displacement and economic pressures.
