The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to grapple with the divisive issue of constitutional reform, a debate that recently reached Geneva, Switzerland. During an interactive dialogue held on Monday, June 29, 2026, the UN Human Rights Council received the latest official update from the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Speaking at this crucial session, part of the 62nd gathering of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Abdoul Aziz Thioye, the Deputy Director of the Global Operations Division at the UN Human Rights Office, conveyed a strong message on behalf of High Commissioner Volker Türk. He voiced serious concerns regarding the diminishing civic and political space within the DRC. Thioye specifically highlighted recent opposition demonstrations in Kinshasa, which aimed to counter any proposed constitutional amendments.

Drawing on his extensive experience in the DRC, where he previously led the Joint United Nations Human Rights Office (BCNUDH) for several years, Abdoul Aziz Thioye emphasized that any constitutional reform must be founded upon a broad national consensus to safeguard social cohesion.

“Every constitutional reform process must be rooted in national consensus and uphold the country’s human rights commitments. All voices must be heard and considered, as failure to do so could lead to severe consequences for social cohesion,” warned Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Deputy Director of the Global Operations Division at the UN Human Rights Office.

Furthermore, the former head of the BCNUDH underscored the consistent support provided by the United Nations, through the BCNUDH, in the DRC’s ongoing fight against impunity. This assistance has continued despite financial constraints and reduced staffing levels.

According to Thioye, this crucial backing has resulted in the conviction of 109 individuals. He also detailed how 150 human rights defenders, journalists, and their families have received support, including psychological and legal aid, financial assistance, and relocation measures.

“Since our last update to the Council, we have assisted authorities in organizing three judicial investigations into grave human rights violations and 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 their family members, notably through psychological, legal, and financial assistance, as well as relocation measures,” Abdoul Aziz Thioye elaborated.

Within the Democratic Republic of Congo, the constitutional reform debate has polarized the socio-political arena, giving rise to two distinct 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 popular support for their respective objectives.

This internal political discourse unfolds against the backdrop of another pressing national concern: the persistent security crisis in eastern DRC. 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 backed by Rwanda and maintains control over significant territories in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The situation is further complicated by the continued activism of the ADF, all while diplomatic initiatives appear to make more progress on paper than through tangible results on the ground.