While the international community’s attention is largely focused on the conflicts shaking several regions of the world, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to suffer a human tragedy of alarming proportions. Millions of Congolese live under the constant threat of armed groups, while serious human rights violations are regularly documented in rebel-held territories.

Faced this reality, the silence or limited reactions of the international community are no longer sufficient. The United States, France, and the European Union possess significant diplomatic, economic, and political leverage that can contribute to the protection of civilian populations and the fight against impunity.

The Human Rights Forum calls on these partners to strengthen their involvement by supporting accountability mechanisms and considering targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in areas under the control of armed groups. Lasting peace cannot be built on impunity.

However, the defense of human rights cannot be selective. The credibility of the international community also depends on its ability to condemn violations of fundamental freedoms when they are committed in areas under the authority of state institutions.

In Kinshasa, concerns regarding restrictions on civil liberties, limitations on civic space, alleged arbitrary arrests of dissenting voices, and the repression of certain public demonstrations warrant sustained attention. The Congolese authorities have an obligation, under the Constitution and the international commitments of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and the right to a fair trial.

The allegations concerning the case of young Nathaël Onokomba, presented as the victim of arbitrary arrest by the National Cybersecurity Council (CNC), should be subject to an independent and transparent review in accordance with applicable national and international standards. Any deprivation of liberty must respect the guarantees provided by law.

Similarly, reports of intimidation and threats against citizens critical of the management of public affairs, particularly when attributed to groups claiming to represent the « Forces of Progress, » must be seriously investigated by the relevant authorities. In a democracy, no political actor or organized group should resort to fear or intimidation to silence dissenting opinions. The authorities have a responsibility to protect all citizens from violence, threats, and intimidation, regardless of their origin.

Respect for human rights is not an obstacle to stability; it is its foundation. The protection of fundamental freedoms, the fight against impunity, and the strengthening of the rule of law are essential conditions for lasting peace and the consolidation of democracy.

We call on the United States, France, and the European Union to pursue a demanding dialogue with the Congolese authorities, and to support independent institutions, civil society organizations, and international human rights monitoring mechanisms. Their commitment must be consistent: condemning crimes committed in areas under rebel occupation while simultaneously promoting respect for fundamental freedoms throughout the national territory.

The Democratic Republic of Congo deserves genuine peace, founded on justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity. The victims of conflict, abuses of power, and restrictions on freedoms expect concrete action. It is time for universal human rights principles to be defended with equal determination, regardless of who commits the violations.

William Bandoma
Senior Researcher
Executive Director, Human Rights Forum

La paix et la démocratie est le fondement d’un monde libre et prospère.

William BANDOMA.

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