The United Nations Human Rights Office has condemned last week’s violent crackdown on protesters in Kinshasa, calling for an independent investigation into the killing of at least one demonstrator during protests against constitutional changes.
In a statement released on June 18th, 2026, the UN Human Rights Office said it was troubling that one protester was reportedly killed and at least 38 others injured during the demonstration on June 12th. Among the injured were four opposition leaders.
Protesters had gathered in the capital to oppose what they regard to be attempts to amend the Constitution to allow the incumbent President to run for a third term.
“The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has the obligation to facilitate peaceful assemblies and protect the participants,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said.
Türk warned that any use of force by law enforcement must be strictly of last resort and fully comply with the limitations placed on it by international human rights law.
The High Commissioner welcomed the authorities’ announcement that they will investigate the incident. However, he stressed that the investigation must be effective, independent, transparent and impartial.
Türk further called for anyone found responsible for conduct amounting to violations of human rights to be brought to justice, in a process respecting fair trial guarantees.
“We condemn last week’s violence against protesters who gathered in the capital Kinshasa to oppose what they regard to be attempts to amend the Constitution,” the statement read in part.
The UN Human Rights Chief urged DRC authorities to respect and ensure full enjoyment of the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in the lead-up to presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for 2028.
He said the government’s obligation to facilitate peaceful assemblies and protect participants must be upheld.
