Congo President's Third Term Hint Ignites Political Tension, Ethiopia's Tigray Reassertion Threatens Peace Deal

DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi hinted at a third term and potential election delays, sparking opposition outrage. In Ethiopia's Tigray region, the TPLF reestablished its pre-war government, challenging the federal authority and risking renewed conflict. Meanwhile, children in Senegal face 'invisible grief' from parents lost at sea during irregular migration attempts.

Thu May 07 2026

DR Congo President's Third Term Prospect Escalates Political Tensions

Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently stated his openness to a third term and warned that ongoing fighting in the country's east could delay the 2028 elections. This has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, who accuse Tshisekedi of planning to bypass constitutional limits and cling to power. The remarks have heightened fears of renewed political turmoil, echoing past crises triggered by election delays.

Currently, President Tshisekedi is in his second and final term under the current rules. Pursuing an additional term would necessitate a constitutional change via referendum, a method frequently used by African leaders to extend their stay in power, often leading to instability. Opposition leader Delly Sessanga condemned the president's actions, stating that he has a duty to uphold the constitution but is instead exploiting the suffering of the people to secure his grip on power. Sessanga called on all democrats, including civil society and members of the majority, to unite and block Tshisekedi's move.

Ethiopia's Tigray Reassertion of Control Challenges Federal Government and Peace Deal

In Ethiopia's Tigray region, tensions are escalating as the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) reasserts control, defying the federal government. The TPLF has restored its pre-war legislative council and named Debretsion Gebremichael as regional president, effectively creating a rival administration. This challenges the Pretoria Peace Deal that ended the 2020-2022 war, with analysts warning that the fragile agreement could unravel. The EU and Britain have called for restraint amidst these developments. The TPLF accuses the federal government of implementing a blockade on the region, restricting the flow of humanitarian aid, cash, and fuel. Reports of a fighter jet over Tigray's capital and a grenade explosion outside the interim president's office further underscore the rising instability.

Senegal: The Invisible Grief of Children Left Behind by Migration at Sea

In Senegal's coastal city of Mbour, children are bearing the hidden cost of irregular migration. Many have grown up after losing parents who vanished at sea while attempting to reach Europe. Aid workers describe this phenomenon as an 'invisible grief' and a silent trauma that families often struggle to acknowledge openly, leaving children unable to fully mourn or find closure. Many children believe their parents will return one day, underscoring the urgent need for psychological support.

*Source: YouTube: France 24 English (2026-05-07)*

Tags: #DRC #Felix Tshisekedi #Ethiopia #Tigray #Senegal #Irregular Migration