Denis Mukwege warns constitutional revision could enable a third presidential term in DRC

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege has voiced strong opposition to a proposed revision of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s constitution that would allow the incumbent president to run for a third term after his current mandate ends on 20 January 2029. Mukwege argues that the amendment threatens democratic alternation and would entrench a “personality‑cult” style of rule.

He notes that the country is already grappling with a severe security, political and social crisis, especially the ongoing war in the east. Under the constitution, any revision is barred during a state of war, emergency or siege, and Mukwege cites the risk that more than 12 million voters in North Kivu and South Kivu could be barred from participating in an election or a referendum because of insecurity. He calls on citizens to reclaim the constitution, reject a “third‑term” push, and prioritize ending the conflict and restoring state authority across the nation.