Staff Writer
JOHANNESBURG — A leading Southern African governance watchdog has issued a sharp warning to Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi over recent remarks suggesting he may seek a third term in office, a move that would exceed the country’s constitutional two-term limit.
The Southern Africa Coalition for Democracy and Accountability (SACDA) said such an ambition poses “a significant threat to the foundational principles of democratic governance” and risks plunging the DRC into further chaos and conflict.
President Tshisekedi’s current second term is set to expire in 2028. The DRC’s constitution explicitly limits presidents to two consecutive five-year terms.
“We strongly urge President Tshisekedi to fulfil his responsibility by completing his last term and actively facilitating the elections set for 2028,” SACDA said in a statement.
“He must take immediate action to ensure a transparent and efficient electoral process, thereby paving the way for a seamless transition of power. Failure to do so risks plunging the nation into further chaos and conflict.”
The think tank, which describes itself as the premier governance and accountability research body in Southern Africa, said the DRC leader’s signal is part of a worrying regional pattern of incumbents attempting to alter or circumvent constitutional term limits.
SACDA singled out Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa as another example, accusing him of engaging “in a series of constitutional amendment processes aimed at extending his leadership and diminishing the effectiveness of checks and balances on executive authority.”
“These manoeuvres raise significant concerns about the steady decline of democratic accountability in the country and the potential erosion of civil liberties,” the group added, warning that such actions stifle political pluralism and concentrate power in the hands of a few.
SACDA noted that the term-extension efforts are unfolding at a time when Southern Africa is experiencing relative stability and “unprecedented economic growth,” particularly in mining-related infrastructure.
The group cautioned against the false narrative that economic booms are tied solely to “big men” leaders, calling instead for strong institutions and respect for term limits to be celebrated.
The organisation urged President Tshisekedi and other regional leaders to recommit to democracy by respecting constitutional limits and the will of voters.
It also called on citizens across the SADC region, the international community, the African Union, and SADC itself to take an “active stance in defending constitutionalism and democratic governance.”
“Democracy should never be seen as a privilege granted at the discretion of leaders,” SACDA said. “Rather, it is an inherent right of the people that must be steadfastly protected.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic accountability, political stability, and open democratic space to support the region’s continued growth.
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