Kinshasa, June 28th, 2026 (CPA).- Combating torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment is a fundamental obligation of the State in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the head of a non-governmental organization said on Sunday in an interview with CPA, on the sidelines of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. « The fight against torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment is a fundamental obligation of the State under the Constitution and the regional and international human rights instruments to which the country is a party, » said Crispin Kobolongo, National President of the NGO Action against Violations of the Rights of Vulnerable Persons (ACVDP). « Despite this protective legal framework, allegations of torture and serious human rights violations continue to be reported in several jurisdictions across the country. Judicial monitoring of torture cases remains an essential mechanism for assessing compliance with procedural guarantees, promoting accountability for alleged perpetrators and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice, » he added. Mr. Kobolongo said his organization monitored two landmark cases before the competent courts in Kinshasa between December 2025 and June 2026. « These two cases are of particular importance given the seriousness of the alleged offences, the status of the individuals involved and the issues they raise regarding the protection of fundamental rights, access to justice and the fight against impunity, » he explained.
He further disclosed that his organisation had compiled a report containing observations gathered during court hearings and throughout the different procedural stages. « Through this judicial monitoring, ACVDP seeks to contribute to the promotion of justice, the strengthening of the rule of law and the prevention of torture in the DRC, » he said.
Judicial monitoring of torture cases
Mr. Kobolongo also highlighted some of the monitoring activities carried out by his organization, notably the case involving the torture of the children of a former Minister in charge of Human Rights. He recalled that the Military Court delivered its judgment in the case on June 4th, 2026. « The ruling resulted in the conviction of two police officers for their involvement in the acts committed, while the senior intelligence official who was also prosecuted in the case was acquitted, » he stated. He continued: « The effective judicial handling of the case is a positive outcome of our monitoring. Holding certain public officials criminally responsible represents significant progress in the fight against impunity. Overall, procedural safeguards were respected throughout the trial. » However, he noted that concerns remain regarding the chain of command and hierarchical responsibility, adding that ensuring full reparations for the victims remains another major issue in the case. Mr. Kobolongo called on the Congolese Government to strengthen mechanisms for preventing torture and urged security services to reinforce human rights training for their personnel while systematically sanctioning perpetrators of torture and ill-treatment.
He also encouraged the judiciary to continue its efforts to combat impunity by ensuring the independence of investigations and prosecutions, as well as providing adequate protection for victims and witnesses. Finally, he urged civil society organizations to continue monitoring trials involving human rights violations, strengthen legal and psychosocial assistance for victims, and intensify advocacy efforts against torture. The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed every year on June 26th.