DRC urged to ensure constitutional reforms align with human rights commitments

A heated debate surrounding constitutional reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached the international stage, with United Nations officials emphasizing the need for inclusive, consensus-driven processes that uphold human rights commitments.

During the interactive dialogue on June 29, 2026, at the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Deputy Director of the UN Human Rights Office’s Global Operations Division, delivered a stern warning about the shrinking civic and political space in the DRC. His remarks came amid recent opposition-led protests in Kinshasa opposing constitutional reform efforts.

Human rights must guide constitutional reform

Speaking on behalf of UN High Commissioner Volker Türk, Thioye stressed that any constitutional reform process in the DRC must be built on a national consensus to preserve social cohesion. He warned that excluding key voices could have severe repercussions for the country’s stability.

“Any constitutional reform process must be rooted in national consensus and respect the country’s human rights commitments. All voices must be heard and considered; otherwise, social cohesion could suffer severe consequences,” Thioye stated.

UN highlights efforts in combating impunity

Beyond the reform debate, Thioye highlighted the ongoing support provided by the UN Human Rights Office in the DRC, despite financial constraints and reduced personnel. Since the last update to the Human Rights Council, the UN has assisted local authorities in investigating grave human rights violations, including:

• Three major judicial inquiries
• Five mobile court sessions
• 109 convictions of perpetrators

The UN has also provided critical support to 150 human rights defenders, journalists, and their families, including psychological, legal, and financial assistance, as well as relocation measures when necessary.

A nation divided: reform debate intensifies

The constitutional reform debate has divided the DRC’s political landscape, with two prominent coalitions emerging: the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) and the Coalition of Congolese for Constitutional Change (C4). Both groups claim widespread public backing for their respective agendas.

This political divide occurs against the backdrop of persistent security challenges in the DRC’s eastern provinces. The resurgence of armed groups, including foreign-backed rebels like the M23, continues to destabilize the North-Kivu and South-Kivu regions. Additionally, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) remain active, while diplomatic initiatives have yet to yield tangible results on the ground.

Reporting by Clément Muamba