DRC constitution reform: UN urges national consensus and human rights compliance

As the debate over constitutional reform continues to divide Congo’s political landscape, the issue took center stage in Geneva, Switzerland, during an interactive dialogue on the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry’s latest update on human rights violations in North Kivu and South Kivu.

Speaking on behalf of UN High Commissioner Volker Türk at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Deputy Director of the UN Human Rights Office’s Global Operations Division, expressed deep concern over the shrinking civic and political space in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He specifically highlighted recent opposition-led protests in Kinshasa opposing constitutional reform efforts.

With extensive experience in Congo, having previously led the UN Joint Human Rights Office (BCNUDH), Thioye emphasized that any constitutional reform must be built on a national consensus to preserve social cohesion.

“Any constitutional reform process must be grounded in national consensus and uphold the country’s human rights commitments. All voices must be heard and considered; otherwise, the consequences for social cohesion could be severe,” warned Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Deputy Director of the UN Human Rights Office’s Global Operations Division.

In a separate discussion, the former head of the UN Joint Human Rights Office (BCNUDH) highlighted the UN’s ongoing support in combating impunity in Congo, despite financial constraints and staffing reductions. He noted that this support had led to the conviction of 109 individuals and provided assistance to 150 human rights defenders, journalists, and their families.

“Since our last update to the Council, we have supported authorities in organizing three judicial investigations into grave human rights violations and five mobile court hearings. These efforts resulted in 109 convictions. We also provided support to 150 human rights defenders and journalists, or their family members, through psychological, legal, and financial assistance, as well as relocation measures,” explained Thioye.

In Congo, the constitutional reform debate has sparked two opposing coalitions: the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) and the Coalition of Congolese for Constitutional Change (C4). Each claims broad public support for their respective agendas.

This debate unfolds against a backdrop of persistent security challenges in eastern Congo, fueled by the activities of local and foreign armed groups. The situation is further complicated by clashes involving the M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda, which controls vast territories in North and South Kivu. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) also remain active, while diplomatic initiatives struggle to translate into tangible progress on the ground.

Clément Muamba