The resurgence of armed conflict in the eastern regions of the République démocratique du Congo has significantly worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis. In the provinces of North-Kivu and Ituri, which have been under a state of siege since May 2021, the situation remains critical despite various diplomatic attempts to restore peace.
Failure of peace agreements and escalating violence
Recent peace initiatives, including the Washington agreement signed in June 2025 and endorsed by the leaders of Rwanda and the République démocratique du Congo in November, alongside the Doha framework involving the AFC/M23, have yet to stop the atrocities. Instead, the violence has expanded to Uvira, highlighting the fragility of existing ceasefire agreements.
In less than a year, the conflict has claimed more than 10,000 lives and forced millions of people into internal displacement or exile. Security forces and armed groups, specifically the M23/AFC supported by Rwanda, are frequently linked to serious human rights violations. These include acts of torture and inhumane treatment, which directly contravene international human rights standards.
Crackdown on civic space and human rights
The deteriorating security landscape has also led to a severe restriction of civic freedoms. Authorities have banned public protests, while press freedom and the activities of civil society organizations are under constant threat. Many human rights defenders, journalists, and political opponents have been forced into exile due to intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and physical abuse. This environment of fear has significantly weakened the ability to document abuses and provide legal recourse for victims.
A comprehensive submission has been prepared to address these issues ahead of the review of the République démocratique du Congo regarding its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The report focuses on critical issues such as:
- Summary and extrajudicial executions
- Forced disappearances
- Systemic intimidation and harassment of activists
- Abuses by both state security forces and non-state actors
The persistent cycle of impunity for the military, police, and paramilitary groups remains a major obstacle to justice and stability in the region.
