President Felix Tshisekedi Suggests Running For A Third Term

 

The Democratic Republic of  the Congo continues to face internal conflict and economic challenges. President Felix Tshisekedi implied he might run for a third term. The only way this would happen is with a change to the constitution. The question remains if he President Tshisekedi has enough support to change or create a new constitution. The only was this would be done is through a referendum. Article 220 states that term limits are imposed on the office of president. However, former President Joseph Kabila term ended in 2016 and he left office in 2019. According to the law, this was a violation of the 2006 constitution. Political opposition accuse the attempt at a third term as a means of keeping power. Having a referendum would be a solution if it is free and fair. Concerns are growing over a possible delay in election due to insurrection in the Eastern DRC. Mediation efforts are showing limited signs of success with the M23 rebels. Those under M23 rebel controlled and Rwanda backed territories are not able to cast ballots. The 2028 elections are facing either possible cancellation or delay. Fear of another large scale Congo War are present. The DRC also faces foreign interference in its internal affairs seeking to steal its mineral wealth. It is unclear if an expansion of  presidential terms is a solution.  

South Sudanese Elections Are Postponed

 

South Sudan will postpone its elections. The government asserts it is to take a proper census, register political parties, and develop a new constitution. These statements are legitimate measures needed for functional government. The concern is that President Salva Kiir is using this time to extend his administration. The elections are now set to be held in December of 2026. The civil war that was waged for five years against Riek Machar ended in 2018. The conflict left 400,000 dead. The argument is that some authoritarianism will keep South Sudan from balkanizing. The civil war in Sudan also is a factor. The war there has effected oil exports, which South Sudan is dependent. Political opposition most likely will not be able to operate under a new national security act. Discontent among civil servants has emerged due to missed pay. The outcome of elections can be predicted. President Salva Kiir has been in power since 2011 and could remain for decades. Leaders such as Paul Kagame, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo,  Paul Biya, Denis Sassou Nguesso,  and Yoweri Museveni have been fixtures in African politics. The UN special envoy for South Sudan stated that the country was not ready for elections. The United Nations should not be dictating what South Sudan should do. The role of the UN is do conflict resolution and facilitate peace negations. Elections could be posted further into 2027. This effort is to extend President Salva Kiir's rule. South Sudan since its independence has known only one leader. If economic conditions become worse and discord is ignored South Sudan could fall into another civil war.