Cenco warns against third term bid for drc president tshisekedi

Goma, 23 June 2026 – In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a strong caution against any political move that could pave the way for a third term for President Félix Tshisekedi.

Meeting in an extraordinary plenary assembly from 18 to 20 June, Catholic bishops published a statement reiterating their commitment to strict adherence to the 2006 Constitution. They warned that any attempt to change provisions related to presidential term limits could undermine the country’s institutional stability.

In their message, delivered by CENCO Secretary General Donatien Nshole, the prelates recalled that political stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo depends on respecting the constitutional order and commitments made to the nation. They called on the head of state to “honour the oath taken before God and the people” during his inauguration.

According to CENCO, any effort to challenge current constitutional provisions would constitute a break with the republican pact that emerged from the various political crises the country has experienced.

This stance comes amid a renewed political debate sparked by Parliament’s recent adoption of a law governing the organisation of referendums. For the bishops, this text could open the door to a popular consultation that might affect provisions considered untouchable, particularly those concerning the duration and number of presidential terms.

Catholic Church leaders further stated that the intentions of certain political actors are no longer in doubt, with several voices in the political class openly discussing the possibility of a new governance cycle in favour of 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 gained momentum after several statements by President Félix Tshisekedi. In May, during a press conference in Kinshasa, the head of state said he had not sought a third term, while stating he would bow to the popular will if it demanded it. Those remarks immediately fuelled speculation about his political intentions for 2028.

Faced with this situation, CENCO called 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 Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo 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 institutional changes or force majeure occur.

This stance reinforces the central role of the Catholic Church in political debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the question of a possible third term for Félix Tshisekedi gradually emerges as one of the country’s key political issues.