KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Senate has passed a bill on the organisation of referendums, a move that could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to change the constitution and seek a third term in office, despite the current two-term limit .
The bill, which cleared the lower house earlier this month, was adopted by the Senate on Monday. A total of 89 senators participated in the vote, with all voting in favour, while 20 senators did not participate . The bill now requires a green light from the Constitutional Court and then the president’s signature to become law .
Tshisekedi, 63, has been in office since 2019 and is currently serving his second and final five-year term under the existing constitution, which is due to end in 2028 . The bill would pave the way for a referendum on a new constitution that could allow Tshisekedi to serve a third term, effectively resetting the clock on his presidential mandate .
The president stated last month that he would agree to lead the country for a third term “if the people wish it” after a referendum on reforming the constitution . However, the Congolese constitution explicitly bars any revision of presidential term limits . The bill works around this provision by allowing the president to amend the constitution in the event of a “major dysfunction” paralyzing state institutions .
The vote comes amid rising political tensions and just days after violent clashes erupted at a protest against the bill in the capital Kinshasa . Security forces reportedly fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators, and several opposition figures, including Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund, and Delly Sesanga, were injured . Local rights groups reported that two bodies had been recovered, though no official toll was released .
The 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 . Opposition Senator Salomon Kalonda Della Idi stated that the bill could “permanently Balkanise the country” .
The DRC, a vast central African country, is currently battling a deadly Ebola outbreak and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in its eastern region . Tshisekedi has consolidated power, and his coalition holds a large majority in parliament . The next presidential election is scheduled for 2028 .
