As the debate over constitutional reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo intensifies, the issue has drawn international attention to Geneva, Switzerland. During a dialogue session on June 29, 2026, focused on the United Nations Independent Investigative Commission’s latest update on human rights in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Deputy Director of the Global Operations Division at the UN Human Rights Office, delivered a stern warning about the shrinking civic and political space in DRC.

Speaking on behalf of High Commissioner Volker Türk, Mr. Thioye emphasized that any constitutional reform process must be built on a national consensus to preserve social cohesion. He stressed that all voices must be heard and included in the process, warning that failure to do so could lead to severe consequences for national unity.

“Every constitutional reform process must be anchored in a national consensus and must respect the country’s commitments to human rights. All voices must be heard and considered; otherwise, social cohesion could face serious repercussions,” he cautioned.

Mr. Thioye, a long-time observer of DRC’s human rights landscape having previously led the UN Joint Human Rights Office (BCNUDH), also highlighted the UN’s ongoing support in combating impunity despite financial constraints and staffing reductions. He revealed that this support has contributed to the conviction of 109 individuals and provided assistance to 150 human rights defenders, journalists, and their families through psychological, legal, financial aid, and relocation measures.

“Since our last update to the Council, we have supported authorities in organizing three judicial investigations into grave human rights violations and five mobile court sessions. These efforts have resulted in 109 convictions. We have also provided support to 150 human rights defenders and journalists or their family members, including psychological, legal, and financial assistance, as well as relocation measures.”

The constitutional reform debate in DRC has sparked two opposing coalitions: the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) and the Coalition of Congolese for Constitutional Change (C4). Each claims to represent significant public support for their respective agendas.

This debate unfolds against a backdrop of deep security challenges in eastern DRC, where armed groups—both local and foreign—continue to destabilize the region. The resurgence of the M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda, has resulted in the control of vast territories in North and South Kivu provinces. Meanwhile, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) remain active, and diplomatic initiatives have yet to yield tangible results on the ground.