DAKAR — Congo’s opposition on Tuesday denounced a newly adopted bill they say could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond the current constitutional limit, calling it an attempted power grab.
The measure, approved by the Senate on Monday after already clearing the National Assembly, would allow a referendum on a new constitution. Under that proposed framework, Tshisekedi’s previous time in office would not be counted, effectively giving him a fresh start on term limits. The bill now heads to the president for his signature.
Tshisekedi, 62, has led the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2019. He has said he would pursue a third term if voters endorse the change in a referendum, though no vote has yet been scheduled.
Congo’s current constitution clearly prohibits any revision to presidential term limits. Critics say the bill seeks to sidestep that restriction by permitting constitutional changes if a “major dysfunction” is deemed to be paralyzing state institutions.
The debate is unfolding as the central African nation faces mounting instability. Congo is dealing with an Ebola outbreak as well as a worsening security crisis tied to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, one of more than 100 armed groups fighting for influence in the country’s eastern provinces.
The next presidential election is currently due in 2028. Last month, Tshisekedi said Congo would not be able to organize and hold elections unless the conflict is brought under control and stability is restored.
Both the Senate and National Assembly votes took place without opposition lawmakers, who walked out weeks ago in protest against the bill.
Senate President Jean-Michel Sama Lukondé hailed the vote, saying it gives the Congolese people a framework to “exercise their sovereignty” through a referendum.
Congo’s main opposition parties, which have been divided in recent years, joined forces in May under the banner of C64, or Coalition Article 64, to oppose the bill, describing it as an attempt by Tshisekedi to remain in power.
“Tshisekedi has betrayed his oath to respect the constitution and is therefore worthless,” leading opposition figure Martin Fayulu said Tuesday during a news conference held by the coalition.
He announced a march on July 8 to the presidential palace, demanding Tshisekedi’s resignation.
The vote comes days after violent clashes erupted at a protest against the bill in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, in which several people were injured, including opposition leaders Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund and Delly Sesanga.
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Saleh Mwanamilongo reported from Bonn, Germany.
