Mukwege Warns Against Constitutional Changes Amid Rising Political Tensions in DRC

Kinshasa, May 19, 2026 - Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege has publicly opposed any attempt to amend the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo in a move that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third presidential term.

In a strongly worded two-page statement released on Sunday, May 17, the Congolese doctor and human rights advocate called for strict respect for constitutional provisions, warning against what he described as an “authoritarian drift” in a country already facing political instability and armed conflict in its eastern provinces.

Mukwege argued that discussions surrounding a possible constitutional amendment threaten the foundations of democracy in the DRC.

“The nation seems to be at the mercy of one man, the President of the Republic, and a coalition of political parties seeking to cling to power,” he stated, criticizing what he described as a political system centered on a “cult of personality” rather than democratic alternation.

His remarks come amid growing political debate over potential constitutional reforms, particularly regarding presidential term limits. Although no official proposal has yet been introduced by state institutions, the issue has increasingly dominated political discussions in recent months.

In his statement, Mukwege also linked the constitutional debate to the worsening security crisis in eastern DRC, where violence involving the AFC/M23 armed group continues to destabilize the region.

He described the conflict as an “existential threat” to the country and criticized arguments suggesting that insecurity could justify postponing the 2028 elections.

According to Mukwege, if the security situation in North Kivu and South Kivu makes elections impossible, the same conditions would also prevent the organization of a constitutional referendum.