As the debate surrounding constitutional reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to polarize its socio-political landscape, the issue took center stage on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland. This occurred during an interactive dialogue at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, which focused on the official update from the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

During the session, Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Deputy Director of the Global Operations Division at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), speaking on behalf of High Commissioner Volker Türk, voiced serious concerns regarding the diminishing civic and political space within the Democratic Republic of Congo. He specifically highlighted recent opposition demonstrations in Kinshasa, which were organized to protest against any proposed attempts at constitutional amendments.

Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the Democratic Republic of Congo, having previously led the UN Joint Human Rights Office (BCNUDH) for several years, Abdoul Aziz Thioye stressed that any process of DRC constitutional reform must be anchored in a broad national consensus to safeguard social cohesion.

“Every constitutional reform initiative must be founded upon a national consensus and uphold the country’s commitments to human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All voices must be heard and considered; otherwise, social cohesion risks suffering severe repercussions,” warned Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Deputy Director of the Global Operations Division at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Furthermore, the former head of BCNUDH underscored the consistent support provided by the United Nations, through BCNUDH, in the fight against impunity across the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite ongoing financial constraints and reduced staffing. This unwavering commitment, he noted, has been instrumental in securing the conviction of 109 individuals.

Thioye also detailed the assistance extended to 150 human rights defenders, journalists, and their families. This support encompassed psychological and legal aid, financial assistance, and relocation measures, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to protecting those at risk.

“Since our last update to the Council, we have supported authorities in organizing three judicial investigations into grave human rights violations, as well as five mobile court hearings. These proceedings have led to the conviction of 109 individuals. We have also provided support to 150 human rights defenders and journalists, or members of their families, particularly through psychological, legal, and financial assistance, as well as relocation measures,” Abdoul Aziz Thioye elaborated.

Within the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ongoing discourse surrounding constitutional reform has spawned two distinct socio-political movements: the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) and the Coalition of Congolese for Constitutional Change (C4). Both platforms assert widespread public backing for their respective objectives.

This internal political debate unfolds against the backdrop of another pressing national concern: the persistent security crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This region continues to grapple with the activities of various local and foreign armed groups, alongside intense clashes involving the AFC/M23 rebellion, reportedly backed by Rwanda, which now controls significant territories in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The situation is further complicated by the continued activism of the ADF, all occurring amidst a stagnation of diplomatic initiatives that show more progress on paper than through tangible results on the ground, impacting African politics and stability.