On 30 May 2026, Congolese doctor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege issued a strong statement accusing President Félix Tshisekedi of committing “unforgivable betrayal” by pursuing constitutional changes to allow a third presidential term.
He condemned Tshisekedi and his UDPS party for prioritizing power retention over urgent national crises such as security instability and the Ebola outbreak.
Mukwege argued that lawmakers supporting the plan are motivated by financial gain, noting they receive excessive salaries and expect continued benefits if Tshisekedi remains in office.
He highlighted the irony of deputies from conflict‑affected regions like Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu backing the reform, including parliamentary president Aimé Boji Sangara from Walungu.
“UDPS, once a symbol of change, has become the architect of betrayal leading our country to ruin.”
He urged Tshisekedi to return to the constitutional order and warned that history would judge him harshly if he continued down this path.
Earlier in May, Tshisekedi suggested that if Congolese citizens wanted him to continue, he would accept a third term, hinting that 2027 elections might not take place.
Pro‑government deputies have already introduced a referendum bill to amend the constitution.
Opposition parties like Ensemble (Moïse Katumbi) and ECIDé (Martin Fayulu) have rejected the plan, refusing to participate in parliamentary debates.
