Kinshasa, October 13th, 2026 (CPA). – The Minister in charge of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called on the African Union (AU) to promote and protect human rights in the eastern part of his country, during the 89th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), launched on Monday in Dakar, Senegal.
“I therefore call on the African Union, through the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to step up its efforts to promote and protect human rights in the east of DRC,” has said Samuel Mbemba.
In his address, the minister drew the African Union’s attention to the persistent violence in eastern DRC and its consequences for the civilian population. In particular, he referred to massacres, sexual violence, the use of children for military or economic purposes, and the plundering of natural resources. He also condemned the impact of insecurity on the economic situation and the fundamental rights of the affected populations.
His address forms part of the Congolese authorities’ efforts to mobiliseregional and international bodies in support of preventing human rights violations and combating impunity. The 89th ordinary session of the ACHPR provides a forum for state representatives and human rights defenders to discuss the challenges relating to the protection of fundamental rights on the African continent.
The war in eastern of DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to face persistent armed conflicts, particularly in the east of the country, in the provinces of Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu. Clashes involving government forces and armed groups, including the M23-AFC, have caused population displacement and exacerbated the humanitarian situation. Civilians remain exposed to violence, human rights violations and difficulties in accessing healthcare and humanitarian assistance. The Congolese authorities continue to call for regional and international mobilisationto help restore peace and protect the population.