Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has warned that the country may not be able to hold its 2028 elections unless the conflict in the east is resolved, according to an Associated Press report.

Speaking during a press conference in Kinshasa on Wednesday, May 6, Tshisekedi said elections could not be organized without stability in North Kivu and South Kivu, two eastern provinces affected by years of armed violence.

Local outlet also reported Tshisekedi’s remarks, saying he linked the 2028 election timetable directly to ending the war in eastern Congo.

The statement comes as eastern DRC continues to face violence involving armed groups, including the M23 rebellion.The conflict escalated in January 2025 when Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced and seized Goma, followed by Bukavu in February.

Tshisekedi, who is serving his second term, also addressed debate over a possible third term. According to local report, he said he had not requested a third term but would accept if Congolese citizens asked him to continue.

The DRC constitution currently limits presidents to two terms. it was reported that any move allowing another term would require a constitutional referendum. Opposition figures criticized the remarks, warning that the third-term discussion could increase political tensions ahead of the 2028 electoral deadline.