3rd Term Affair in DRC and Mauritania: Will Tshisekedi and Ghazouani take the step?

The political landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mauritania are converging around a contentious issue: the possibility of a third presidential term. Both nations have experienced political transitions in the past decade, and the question of extending presidential mandates is increasingly dividing opinion and fueling tensions.

In the DRC, the debate over President Félix Tshisekedi potentially seeking a third term has intensified over the past two years. The situation became more charged after the National Assembly adopted a bill that could allow the head of state to organize a referendum for a third mandate. This move has galvanized political opposition and civil society groups, who are actively campaigning against it. Protests, including a successful general strike, and demonstrations outside parliament have occurred, sometimes resulting in clashes with security forces and arrests.

Despite the significant opposition and the historical precedent of Tshisekedi himself opposing a third term for his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, the president appears resolute. Reports suggest he is prepared to push forward, possibly through a forceful approach, to secure an extension of his time in office. This stance contrasts sharply with his past activism against Kabila's attempts to extend his rule.

Meanwhile, Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is also facing similar discussions regarding a potential third term. While details are less pronounced in this article, the comparison suggests a shared political dynamic. Both leaders are described as cautiously advancing, seemingly gauging public reaction through statements made by their close associates, a tactic often employed to test the waters before making definitive moves.