Kinshasa, January 19th, 2026 (CPA). – The effective inclusion of persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable persons (PVH-APV), in particular through the recognition of sign language as the fifth official language in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a significant and positive legacy for the country to realize.This policy to combat exclusion and promote the effective empowerment of PVH, presented by President Félix Tshisekedi in his address to the nation on December 8th, 2025 before a joint session of Parliament, represents a major step forward from previous constitutional commitments and a move towards a more just, equitable and inclusive society based on respect for human rights.To achieve this, building an inclusive society requires the participation of all: institutions, communities, families and citizens. The inclusion of PWD is not only a legal obligation, but also an essential lever for social progress and sustainable development. Congolese sign language (LSC) plays a fundamental role in the social and professional inclusion of deaf people. ‘It is a key to equal opportunities,’ one might say. The recognition of LSC as the fifth national language is, in fact, part of the Head of State’s vision, implemented by Ms Irène Esambo, Minister Delegate in charge of PVH-APV, for the implementation of Article 44, paragraph 5 of the Constitution. This recognition requires a sustained commitment to transform this aspiration of great social significance. The process will enable 2 million deaf people to have full access to education, information, health, justice and civic participation. It is a means of affirming the linguistic rights and identity of deaf people and ending the injustice of leaving part of the population without communication.
Challenges ahead
Although notable progress has been made in this process, such as the publication of an organic law, the creation of an academy and harmonization efforts, the ultimate goal has not yet been fully achieved. Even though attitudes are changing, the major challenges remain convincing decision-makers to make interpreters permanent in public places (hospitals, courts, businesses) and organizing awareness campaigns so that the whole community learns LSC. According to Merveille Kisongo, coordinator of the Gender and Inclusion Office of the National Network of Sign Language Interpreters and Communicators (RIGS), recognising sign languages (SL) means guaranteeing an inclusive society. In his view, the Congolese Executive must continue to work to strengthen the autonomy, accessibility and citizen participation of this social group. ‘It is important to introduce SL learning into the school curriculum in the DRC, starting in nursery school, to facilitate the social integration of deaf and hard-of-hearing people,’ he said. In the DRC, disability issues have been institutionalized under the leadership of President Tshisekedi, and several significant advances have been made in this area. The recognition of LSC as one of the national languages of the DRC, alongside Lingala, Tshiluba, Kikongo and Swahili, is essential for equal opportunities and a tool for combating discrimination and poverty. Efforts to promote empowerment, social inclusion and environmental accessibility for deaf people, in particular the harmonization and standardization of LSC, work on which was launched in 2021 by the Ministry in charge of PVH-APV, and the finalisation of a Congolese sign language (LS) dictionary supported by the United Nations Educational, science and culture (UNESCO) in 2025, must continue in order to meet the DRC’s international commitments, recalling the country’s role as a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. That being said, there is an urgent need to continue and accelerate the implementation of structural projects aimed at sustainably improving the living conditions of this social group.