CENCO warns against third term bid for Félix Tshisekedi in DRC

Kinshasa/Goma, June 2026 — The National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO) has issued a stern warning against any political maneuver that could pave the way for a third term in office for President Félix Tshisekedi. In a plenary assembly held from June 18 to 20, the Catholic bishops reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the 2006 Constitution, particularly its provisions on presidential term limits, warning that tampering with these could destabilize the country’s institutional framework.

Constitutional integrity at the heart of the bishops’ concern

During the extraordinary session, the bishops, led by Secretary-General Donatien Nshole, emphasized that the political stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) hinges on strict adherence to constitutional order. They urged President Tshisekedi to “honor the oath taken before God and the Congolese people” upon his inauguration, stressing that any attempt to bypass term limits would violate the republican pact forged through decades of political turmoil.

New electoral law fuels speculation over term limits

The CENCO’s statement comes amid heightened political debate following the recent passage of a law regulating referendum processes in Parliament. The bishops cautioned that this legislation could be exploited to organize a public consultation aimed at altering constitutional safeguards, including those governing presidential mandates.

While the ruling majority has dismissed these concerns, asserting that the referendum law merely seeks to strengthen democratic participation, the bishops argue that the intentions of certain political figures are increasingly transparent. Several voices within the political class have openly discussed the possibility of extending President Tshisekedi’s governance beyond 2028.

President’s remarks spark controversy

The debate intensified after President Tshisekedi’s ambiguous remarks during a May press conference in Kinshasa. While he stated he had not sought a third term, he added that he would abide by the people’s will if it demanded it—an assertion that immediately fueled speculation about his long-term political ambitions.

CENCO calls for public vigilance

In response, the Church has urged the Congolese population to remain vigilant and resist, through legal and peaceful means, any attempt to amend constitutional term limits, which it describes as “locked in.” The current Constitution permits a president to serve a maximum of two consecutive five-year terms, placing Tshisekedi in his second mandate since taking office in 2019.

Scheduled presidential elections are set for December 2028, pending no institutional changes or unforeseen circumstances. The CENCO’s intervention underscores the Catholic Church’s growing influence in DRC’s political landscape, as the question of a potential third term for Tshisekedi looms as a defining issue for the nation’s future.