As the debate over constitutional reform continues to divide the sociopolitical landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the topic recently resonated in Geneva, Switzerland. The discussion took place during an interactive dialogue on June 29, 2026, at the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, focusing on the updated findings of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the human rights situation in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Deputy Director of the Global Operations Division at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), addressed the Council on behalf of High Commissioner Volker Türk. He voiced serious concerns regarding the diminishing civic and political space within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thioye specifically highlighted recent opposition demonstrations in Kinshasa, which protested against any attempts to alter the nation’s constitution.

Drawing on his extensive experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he previously led the UN Joint Human Rights Office (BCNUDH), Abdoul Aziz Thioye underscored the critical importance of national consensus for any constitutional reform. He emphasized that such reforms must uphold the country’s human rights commitments to safeguard social cohesion.

“Any constitutional reform process must be rooted in national consensus and respect the country’s human rights obligations. All voices must be heard and considered; otherwise, social cohesion could face 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.

In a related development, the former head of the BCNUDH also acknowledged the invaluable support provided by the United Nations, through the BCNUDH, in the fight against impunity across the Democratic Republic of Congo. This assistance, he noted, has been delivered despite financial constraints and reduced staffing levels.

According to Thioye, this ongoing support has been instrumental in securing the conviction of 109 individuals. He further indicated that aid had been extended 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 serious human rights violations and five mobile court hearings. These proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 109 individuals. We have also provided support to 150 human rights defenders and journalists, or members of their families, through psychological, legal, and financial assistance, as well as relocation measures,” Abdoul Aziz Thioye detailed.

Within the Democratic Republic of Congo, the constitutional reform debate has galvanized two distinct sociopolitical movements: the Coalition Article 64 pour la Défense de l’Ordre Constitutionnel (C64) and the Coalition des Congolais pour le Changement de la Constitution (C4). Both platforms assert widespread popular backing for their respective objectives.

This internal discourse unfolds against the backdrop of another pressing national concern: the persistent security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This region is plagued by the activities of both local and foreign armed groups, as well as ongoing clashes involving the AFC/M23 rebellion, which is reportedly supported by Rwanda and controls significant swathes of territory in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The situation is further complicated by the continued insurgency of the ADF, all while diplomatic initiatives remain largely stalled, showing more progress on paper than through tangible results on the ground.