Protests have already turned violent in Kinshasa, but Congo’s Senate just cleared a major hurdle for a constitutional change. If it goes through, President Felix Tshisekedi could run again in 2028.

Things are heating up in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Senate has just adopted a bill to change the constitution, and it could open the door for President Felix Tshisekedi to stay in office beyond his current term, cbinews.tv reports.

Here is what is happening. The bill sets up a referendum on a new constitution. If voters approve it, Tshisekedi would be allowed to run for a third term as if it were his first. Right now he is serving his second and final term under the current rules.

The vote in the Senate on Monday was unanimous among those present. Eighty nine senators took part and every single one voted in favour of adopting the bill. Twenty senators did not participate.

But this is not law yet. The bill still needs President Tshisekedi’s signature before anything moves forward.

Not everyone is on board. Opposition Senator Salomon Kalonda Della Idi warned in a statement that the bill could “permanently Balkanize the country.”

Tensions have already spilled onto the streets. Last week, a protest against the bill turned violent in the capital Kinshasa. Security forces fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators who threw rocks, according to local residents who spoke to Reuters. Opponent Delly Sesanga’s communication team also claimed on X that he was shot in the leg.

Congo’s National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, has already approved the bill. With the Senate’s backing, the next step would be that national referendum.

Congo’s next presidential election is scheduled for 2028. If the constitution changes, Tshisekedi could be on the ballot again.

#DRCongo #FelixTshisekedi #CongoPolitics #ConstitutionalChange #Kinshasa #CBINews #ThirdTerm #AfricaPolitics #CongoSenate #DRC2028