Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi said on Wednesday that elections scheduled for 2028 could not go ahead if the war in the country's east remained unresolved, while also leaving open the possibility of seeking a third term in office. Speaking at a press conference broadcast on the Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) in Kinshasa, only his second such appearance since the start of his mandate, Tshisekedi addressed three of the most politically sensitive issues facing his government: the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, a proposed constitutional revision, and his

Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi said on Wednesday that elections scheduled for 2028 could not go ahead if the war in the country's east remained unresolved, while also leaving open the possibility of seeking a third term in office.

Speaking at a press conference broadcast on the Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) in Kinshasa, only his second such appearance since the start of his mandate, Tshisekedi addressed three of the most politically sensitive issues facing his government: the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, a proposed constitutional revision, and his own political future.

"If we cannot finish this war, unfortunately, we will not be able to organize the elections in 2028," the president said, linking the electoral calendar directly to the security situation in North and South Kivu, where the M23 armed group, has seized large swaths of territory.

On the question of a third term, currently prohibited under the Congolese constitution, which limits presidents to two mandates, Tshisekedi stopped short of declaring his candidacy but declined to rule it out. "I have not sought a third term, but I tell you: if the people wish that I have a third term, I will accept," he said.

He added that any constitutional change would require a public consultation. "If change, revision or whatever must happen, it will never be done without consulting the Congolese people, that is, through a referendum," he said.

The statements drew immediate pushback from opposition figures and civil society voices, who have been mobilizing against any constitutional revision, arguing it would amount to a consolidation of power under the cover of democratic process.

The press conference came amid a charged political atmosphere in Kinshasa, with debate dominated by the constitutional revision question and the fallout from U.S. sanctions against former President Joseph Kabila, whom Washington designated over allegations of corruption and destabilising activities in eastern Congo. Tshisekedi's ruling party had organised a march earlier this week in support of those sanctions.

Tshisekedi, 62, has been in power since 2019 and was re-elected in 2023. His second and currently final term is due to expire in 2028.

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