On May 6, 2026, Félix Tshisekedi held a widely followed press conference in Kinshasa in which he addressed the security crisis in eastern DRC, the future of elections, and relations with Rwanda. During the speech, Tshisekedi argued that it would be difficult to organize credible elections while parts of North Kivu and South Kivu remain under the control of armed groups. “We cannot organize elections in territories that are occupied,” he stated, linking the country’s democratic timetable directly to the military situation in the east.
The Congolese president also renewed accusations that Rwanda plays a destabilizing role in eastern Congo through alleged support for the March 23 Movement (M23). These accusations come amid continuing clashes in eastern DRC that have displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and increased regional tensions over the past two years. Kigali has repeatedly denied direct involvement with M23 and instead argues that its main security concern is the continued presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) near its border.
The FDLR issue remains central to understanding Rwanda’s position. The armed group was formed by remnants linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and Rwandan authorities have long maintained that the organization represents a direct threat to national security. It is worth to note that while international attention has largely focused on M23 and Rwanda, Political analysts frame the eastern Congo crisis as inseparable from the unresolved presence of the FDLR and other armed factions operating in the region.
Elections, Constitutional Debate, and Regional Tensions
One of the most controversial moments of Tshisekedi’s press conference came when he addressed questions about presidential term limits and constitutional reform. Although the current Congolese constitution limits presidents to two terms, Tshisekedi suggested that constitutional changes could be considered if “the people ask for it.” That statement immediately triggered criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, many of whom fear that the security crisis could become a political justification for extending his rule or preparing the ground for another mandate beyond constitutional expectations.
Political observers point out that by linking elections to the liberation of occupied territories, Tshisekedi introduced a condition that may be difficult to fulfill quickly given the complexity of the conflict. They argue that such language risks creating uncertainty around the 2028 electoral process and could weaken confidence in democratic institutions if no clear electoral guarantees are maintained.
Ultimately, Tshisekedi’s May 6 speech highlighted how deeply intertwined security, constitutional politics, and regional rivalry have become in the DRC. While his supporters view his position as a defense of national sovereignty during wartime, critics see a risk that prolonged insecurity could gradually be used to justify delays in democratic transition and the consolidation of executive power. The coming months are therefore likely to be critical not only for regional security, but also for the future credibility of democratic governance in the DRC.
