Human rights violations in DRC: contrasting realities between Kinshasa and the East
- Society
Paul Nsapu, president of the National Commission on Human Rights (CNDH), has highlighted stark disparities in human rights violations across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speaking at a live discussion hosted by Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, he acknowledged legislative progress but emphasized two distinct realities prevailing in the country.
Structural violations in Kinshasa
In provinces under the jurisdiction of Kinshasa, Nsapu identified recurring violations of civil, political, economic, and social rights, including access to work, healthcare, and education. These issues, he argued, stem from decades of systemic neglect and underdevelopment, with successive governments failing to improve the daily lives of citizens.
Severe abuses in the Eastern regions
In contrast, the eastern regions—particularly North Kivu, South Kivu, and parts of Ituri—face far graver violations. Nsapu described this area as the hard core of human rights abuses, where fundamental rights to life and security are routinely violated. He directly implicated the presence of the Rwandan army and its allied armed groups, operating in areas beyond the control of Kinshasa, as major contributors to the escalating crisis.
The CNDH president’s remarks underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the deep-rooted challenges in both regions, while calling attention to the role of external actors in exacerbating the conflict.
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