DRC Constitutional Court Upholds Referendum Law, Sparking Opposition Concerns

The Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has ruled that a proposed law on referendums is constitutional, clearing the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to promulgate it. The decision, announced in Kinshasa, has been denounced by opposition figures who argue it effectively permits the president to seek a new term beyond the current constitutional limits. The law would allow for a national referendum on constitutional changes, potentially altering term limits. Critics fear this could extend Tshisekedi's rule, echoing past political crises in the region. The court's ruling is seen as a major political development in the DRC, with implications for governance and stability.

Global Impact

Politically, the decision could set a precedent for other African nations grappling with term-limit extensions, potentially fueling regional democratic backsliding. Economically, the DRC's mining sector—critical for global cobalt and copper supplies—faces heightened uncertainty, which may affect battery and electronics supply chains.