DR Congo president sets stage to stay in power

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Kinshasa: DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi is facing growing opposition as he appears to be setting the stage to extend his rule beyond his current final five-year mandate, which ends in December 2028.

Parliament has passed a bill allowing for a constitutional referendum, a move widely seen as an effort to clear the way for a third term. While Tshisekedi claims he would only pursue this if the people demand it through a vote, critics view the move as a betrayal of the constitution.

Recent opposition protests in Kinshasa against the bill were suppressed, resulting in reports of deaths and injuries. Critics like Martin Fayulu warn that questioning the current constitution threatens the nation's peace and stability.

Analysts also warn that if constitutional reform fails, the government may use a ‘drift’ strategy postponing elections due to ongoing violence in the country's east. This tactic was previously attempted by former President Joseph Kabila in 2015 but was abandoned following intense pressure.