Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi said he was open to standing for a third term, angering opposition politicians who accused him of planning to break through mandate limits in the constitution and cling to power. Tshisekedi also said fighting in the east could make it impossible to hold the next presidential vote on time in 2028 – raising the prospect of a delay that could prove equally divisive in the mineral-rich nation which has endured decades of conflict. Congo experienced a prolonged political crisis under former president Joseph Kabila after he delayed elections beyond the end of his mandate in 2016, triggering deadly protests and international condemnation. “I have not asked for a third term, but if the people want a third term, I will accept,” Tshisekedi told a press conference late on Wednesday, responding to a question about recent proposals by allies to revise the constitution.

Full report : Congo president raises prospect of third term and vote delay, angering opposition.