Human rights violations in DRC: stark contrast between Kinshasa and eastern provinces
Human rights violations in DRC: stark contrast between Kinshasa and eastern provinces
- Society
During a live discussion on Tuesday organized by journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, Paul Nsapu, Chair of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), delivered a nuanced assessment of human rights under President Tshisekedi’s administration. While acknowledging legislative progress, he highlighted two distinct realities across the country.
Structural violations in Kinshasa versus severe abuses in the east
In provinces under Kinshasa’s control, Nsapu identified recurring violations of civil, political, economic, and social rights—such as access to work, healthcare, and education. He attributed these issues to systemic failures across successive governments, characterized by a lack of development and minimal improvement in living conditions for citizens.
A more alarming situation in the east
In North Kivu, South Kivu, and parts of Ituri, the situation is far graver. Nsapu described the eastern region as the epicenter of severe human rights abuses, including violations of the right to life, security, and fundamental freedoms. He specifically pointed to the presence of Rwandan military forces and their allied militias in areas beyond Kinshasa’s control as exacerbating factors.
The Chair emphasized that while legislative reforms have been made, their impact is unevenly distributed. In Kinshasa, violations stem from institutional weaknesses and chronic underdevelopment. In contrast, eastern DRC faces a humanitarian crisis driven by armed conflict and foreign interference.
Nsapu called for urgent action to address the disparities, stressing that sustainable peace and human rights protection require both structural reforms and direct intervention in conflict zones.