On May 6, 2026, Tshisekedi told journalists in Kinshasa that Congolese citizens were examining the Constitution to determine whether amendments were necessary. He also stated that if the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues until 2028, elections may not be held.
“If we fail to stop this war, unfortunately we may not be able to organize elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said. “But it would not be because I refused to organize them. The capacity exists, we could do it, but we cannot organize elections without North Kivu and South Kivu.”
The Congolese president also questioned whether the current Constitution should remain unchanged, while rejecting claims that constitutional reform was linked to ambitions for a third term in office.
“What is so special about this Constitution? Should we leave it as it is? What prevents us from reviewing it?” Tshisekedi said. “One thing we should not do is connect this to a third term. I do not want a third term, but if the people ask me to lead for a third term, I would accept.”
Speaking during a press conference in Goma on May 8, Nangaa criticized Tshisekedi, who recently apologized to Congolese citizens for failing to carry out the war against Rwanda that he had promised during the final stages of his 2023 presidential campaign.
Tshisekedi had said he was misled into believing that the Congolese army was strong, only to later discover that it had been infiltrated by enemies. He linked this to the growing number of arrests and prosecutions involving military officers accused of betraying the country.
Nangaa suggested that Tshisekedi’s departure from office could come sooner than expected.
“Do not be surprised if he leaves in the coming days. He will go,” Nangaa said. “And do not be surprised to hear him say, ‘I did not know I was president.’ He will say, ‘I did not know it was my responsibility to guarantee Congo’s security or to do this or that.’”
The AFC/M23 leader argued that efforts to amend the Constitution would fail and called on Congolese citizens from different sectors to unite behind the alliance in order to block Tshisekedi’s plans.
“He wants to change the Constitution. If he is capable, let him try,” Nangaa said. “But as far as we are concerned, and I speak on behalf of AFC/M23, the time is now. This press conference allows Congolese people to understand our objective. AFC/M23 calls on all politicians and all citizens to support the struggle to protect the DRC.”
Nangaa further stated that AFC/M23 seeks support from Congolese living in Kinshasa, those in exile, and even some members of the ruling Union Sacrée coalition, claiming that certain figures within the alliance are already holding secret talks with AFC/M23.
Leave a Reply