Goma, 23 June 2026 – In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a strong warning against any political initiative that could pave the way for a third term for President Félix Tshisekedi.
Meeting in extraordinary plenary assembly from 18 to 20 June, the Catholic bishops released a statement reaffirming their commitment to strict observance of the 2006 Constitution. They caution that any attempt to alter provisions limiting presidential terms could destabilise the country’s institutional framework.
In their message, delivered by CENCO’s secretary general, Donatien Nshole, the prelates stressed that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political stability depends on upholding the constitutional order and the promises made to the nation. They called on the head of state to “honour the oath taken before God and the people” at his inauguration.
According to CENCO, any move to challenge the existing constitutional provisions would break the republican pact forged after the country’s various political crises.
This stance comes amid a revived political debate following Parliament’s recent adoption of a law governing referendums. The bishops believe this text could open the door to a popular consultation that might affect provisions considered untouchable, particularly those on the length and number of presidential terms.
Catholic church leaders also stated that the intentions of certain political actors are no longer in doubt, with several voices inside the political class openly discussing the possibility of a new term for the current president.
For its part, the presidential majority rejects these interpretations. It argues that the referendum law is solely intended to strengthen the institutional framework and allow the sovereign people to express themselves on major national issues.
The debate was reignited after several statements by President Félix Tshisekedi. In May, during a press conference in Kinshasa, the president said he had not sought a third term but would comply with the popular will if it demanded it. That comment immediately fuelled speculation about his political intentions heading into 2028.
Faced with this situation, CENCO calls on the Congolese population to remain vigilant and to oppose, within the law and through peaceful means, any attempt to modify constitutional provisions it considers locked.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Constitution limits the presidential term to five years, renewable only once consecutively, for a maximum of two terms. Félix Tshisekedi, in office since 2019, is currently serving his second term.
The next presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo are scheduled for December 2028, according to the current electoral calendar, unless there is an institutional change or force majeure.
This position reinforces the central role of the Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political debate, as the issue of a possible third term for Félix Tshisekedi increasingly emerges as one of the country’s main political challenges.
