Congo President Says Elections Cannot Be Held in 2028 Without Ending Eastern Conflict

Congo's president warned on Wednesday that the African nation will not be able to organize and hold elections after his term ends in two years unless the conflict that has gripped the country's east is resolved and stability returns. The remarks came during a televised address to the nation in which he discussed a range of topics, including deportations of migrants from the United States under a deal with the Trump administration.

His term expires in December 2028. “If we cannot end this war, unfortunately we will not be able to organize elections in 2028,” he said. ” The conflict escalated in January 2025 when rebels advanced and seized the strategic city of Goma, followed by the town of Bukavu, which they took in February.

The fighting has killed some 3,000 people and worsened what was already one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with around 7 million people displaced. A U.S.-mediated peace agreement to end the fighting and other efforts have stumbled. Even before this year's escalation, eastern Congo had been battered by decades of unrest, with government forces fighting more than 100 armed groups often over access to its mineral riches.

The president, who is on his second term now, a limit under the constitution, indicated he could pursue a third term. “I have not sought a third term, but I tell you: If the people want me to have a third term, I will accept,” he said. He added that a referendum on the constitution would have to take place first to approve an amendment allowing a president to seek more than two terms.

Politicians denounced the address.