DR Congo President Fatshi Tshivube is facing criticism for his attempts to secure a third term in office. According to reports, he has been using pressure tactics on France to get his way. The President has made statements indicating his disdain for the country's Constitution, which clearly states that a president can only serve two terms.
The Constitution of DR Congo, which President Fatshi Tshivube has sworn to uphold, explicitly states that a president can only serve for five years, renewable once. However, the President has expressed his desire for a third term, sparking concerns among citizens and international observers. His actions have been described as a power grab, with some labeling him as "Joufflu le Terrible" or "the terrible".
The President's demands have extended to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), where he is threatening to withdraw DR Congo's membership if his preferred candidate, Louise Mushikiwabo, does not secure a third term as Secretary General. However, the OIF's rules do not prohibit a third term for its Secretary General, with Abdou Diouf having previously served three terms.
The Francophonie, an international organization of French-speaking countries, was established on March 20, 1970, in Niamey, Niger. It currently has 90 member states and governments and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. DR Congo's potential withdrawal from the organization would be a significant development, given its long-standing membership.
Critics have accused President Fatshi Tshivube of using underhanded tactics to achieve his goals. Freddy Mulongo Mukena, a journalist and independent commentator, has written extensively on the issue, describing the President's actions as a "chantage de mauvais goût et une mauvaise posture" or "bad-taste blackmail and a poor posture".
The controversy surrounding President Fatshi Tshivube's third-term bid has sparked concerns about the country's democratic trajectory. The President's actions have been seen as a threat to the country's stability and the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, the international community is watching closely, urging restraint and respect for the Constitution.
The DR Congo has a complex history of governance, with President Fatshi Tshivube's administration being closely watched by citizens and international observers. The country has made significant progress in recent years, but concerns about corruption, governance, and human rights persist.
Key points
- DR Congo President Fatshi Tshivube is facing criticism for his attempts to secure a third term in office.
- The President is threatening to withdraw DR Congo from the Francophonie if his demands aren't met.
- The country's Constitution explicitly prohibits a president from serving more than two terms.
