Lead

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitutional Court has approved a referendum law that critics say could pave the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office. The ruling, announced in a decision that validated a law on organising a referendum about the DRC's constitution, has prompted a coalition of opposition parties to reject the verdict and vow to fight the change.

The law would allow the president to amend the constitution through a constituent assembly followed by a referendum in the event of a "major dysfunction" of state institutions. The judges, however, raised concerns over provisions that would have allowed the president to call a referendum on any issue considered to be of "fundamental" importance.

The bill was passed by parliament in June, where President Tshisekedi's coalition holds a comfortable majority. It now awaits the president's signature before becoming law.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the court's decision has been consistent across the sources, though emphasis has varied. Africa News focused on the court's approval and its potential implications for Tshisekedi's tenure, presenting the development in a neutral, informative tone. AllAfrica and RFI — English both gave prominent attention to the opposition's reaction, framing the ruling as a threat to the constitutional order and quoting strong language from critics. Both outlets carried direct quotes from opposition figures, underlining the anger and defiance among Tshisekedi's opponents.

All outlets reported the core facts: the court's approval, the mechanism for constitutional change, the existing two-term limit, and the opposition's criticism. The key difference lay in the lead emphasis — Africa News led with the court's action, while AllAfrica and RFI led with the opposition's response.

Key Claims

  • The Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitutional Court has approved a referendum law that could pave the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office. (Reported by Africa News, AllAfrica, and RFI — English)
  • The law would allow the president to amend the constitution through a constituent assembly followed by a referendum in the event of a 'major dysfunction' of state institutions. (Reported by Africa News)
  • Under the current constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms, with Tshisekedi's second and final mandate due to end in 2028. (Reported by Africa News, AllAfrica, and RFI — English)
  • The opposition has strongly criticized the reform, arguing that it could undermine constitutional safeguards. (Reported by Africa News, AllAfrica, and RFI — English)
  • The C64 opposition coalition is voicing its anger against the Constitutional Court ruling and has reaffirmed its opposition to any revision of the Constitution. (Reported by AllAfrica and RFI — English)
  • "The Court's ruling confirms the plot against the constitutional order and paves the way for the balkanization of the Republic," said Dieudonné Bolengetenge, Secretary-General of Katumbi's party. (Reported by AllAfrica and RFI — English)
  • Tshisekedi maintained that he has 'not sought a third term' but at a rare press conference in early May he stated: 'If people want me to have a third term, I will accept'. (Reported by Africa News and AllAfrica)
  • The conflict in the east has generated a powerful wave of nationalism which, at least temporarily, strengthens the political position of Tshisekedi against a backdrop of populist discourse, according to the Ebuteli research institute. (Reported by AllAfrica and RFI — English)
  • Sixty percent of the Congolese questioned believe their country is going in the 'wrong direction' but more than 80 percent gave a favourable opinion of the president, according to an Ebuteli survey published in June. (Reported by AllAfrica and RFI — English)
  • The international community could send a 'strong signal' by clearly opposing the proposed reform, according to the Ebuteli institute. (Reported by AllAfrica and RFI — English)
  • The opposition is urging a national dialogue to begin before 15 August or, it says the government would face protests. (Reported by AllAfrica and RFI — English)

Perspectives

Opposition C64 Coalition

The C64 coalition, which brings together figures such as Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund, Moïse Katumbi, Augustin Matata Ponyo and Delly Sesanga, has denounced the court's ruling as "high treason" and a "judicial rebellion" against the sovereign people. They argue the ruling confirms a "plot against the constitutional order" and paves the way for the "balkanization of the Republic." The coalition reaffirmed its opposition to any revision of the Constitution and insists that "the Congolese people will accept neither the circumvention of the Constitution, nor the personalisation of institutions, nor a change to the Constitution, nor a third term."

Presidential Position

President Tshisekedi has repeatedly denied seeking a third term, but in May he said he would accept another mandate if requested by the Congolese people. His supporters have for months been preparing public opinion for a constitutional change, without explicitly stating the goal of extending his rule.

Ebuteli Research Institute

The Ebuteli research institute noted that the conflict in the east has generated a powerful wave of nationalism which, at least temporarily, strengthens the political position of Tshisekedi. An Ebuteli survey published in June found that while 60 percent of Congolese questioned believe their country is going in the "wrong direction," more than 80 percent gave a favourable opinion of the president. The institute suggested the international community could send a "strong signal" by clearly opposing the proposed reform.