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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Elections & Politics

DRC Civil Society Demands Independent Probe into Opposition Protest Crackdown

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Civil society organizations are demanding an independent investigation into the violent crackdown on an opposition sit-in in Kinshasa.
  • Human rights groups allege excessive force was used and condemn vandalism against opposition party headquarters.
  • Calls are being made for authorities to ensure public freedoms and accountability for the violence.

Following violent incidents during an opposition sit-in near the People's Palace in Kinshasa on June 12, 2026, civil society organizations are demanding an independent investigation. Human rights groups, both within the Democratic Republic of Congo and internationally, are denouncing what they describe as excessive and disproportionate use of force by security agents.

muscled, bloody, and disproportionate repression.

— Voix des Sans Voix (VSV)Describing the crackdown on the opposition sit-in.

The Voix des Sans Voix (VSV) organization reported "muscled, bloody, and disproportionate repression." The group also noted several injuries and condemned acts of vandalism targeting the headquarters of ECiDé, the party of opposition leader Martin Fayulu. VSV questioned the security forces' passive stance during certain violent episodes and called for an independent inquiry to establish responsibility.

The Nouvelle Société civile congolaise (NSCC) echoed these concerns, condemning "acts of police brutality against citizens" exercising their constitutional rights to assembly and demonstration. The NSCC urged authorities to provide care for the injured, impose sanctions on any perpetrators of abuse, and initiate dialogue to allow for democratic expression of political differences.

acts of police brutality against citizens

— Nouvelle Société civile congolaise (NSCC)Condemning the actions of security forces.

Internationally, Human Rights Watch has also spoken out. Ida Sawyer, director of the organization's Crisis, Conflict, and Arms division, stated on social media that opposition figures including Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund, and Delly Sesanga were among those injured. Human Rights Watch also cited attacks on the ECiDé party headquarters and stressed the importance of respecting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Like VSV and NSCC, Human Rights Watch is calling on Congolese authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the violence.

several opposition leaders, including Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund and Delly Sesanga, figure among the people injured during the clashes.

— Ida SawyerHuman Rights Watch director detailing the impact on opposition figures.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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