Human Rights Watch Reports Arbitrary Detentions of Activists and Journalists in DR Congo Amid M23 Conflict

Human Rights Watch released a press release on 12 May 2026 stating that authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are increasingly harassing and arbitrarily detaining journalists, activists, and political opposition members. The clampdown has occurred amid the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group's occupation in eastern Congo and political tensions surrounding a potential constitutional amendment.

President Félix Tshisekedi raised the subject of constitutional revision during a nationally televised news conference on May 6, 2026.

Philippe Bolopion, executive director of Human Rights Watch, stated that Congolese citizens have the right to express their opinions and concerns without fear of repression, but doing so is becoming increasingly difficult. "Congolese authorities should end their restrictions on the rights to free speech and protest and ensure that everyone in Congo can express their peaceful views without facing harassment, arbitrary arrest, or detention," Bolopion said.

Between January and May 2026, Human Rights Watch interviewed six civil society representatives, eight opposition activists, and two journalists in Congo.

On March 24 2026, police in Kinshasa fired tear gas and used violence against protesters peacefully demonstrating against proposed constitutional changes. Police arrested 15 opposition members and protesters that day in Kinshasa. Of the 15 people arrested on March 24 2026, police released 5 at the Matete district police station and transferred 10 to the prosecutor's office.

The 10 individuals transferred to the prosecutor's office after the March 24 2026 protest were released the following evening. Two journalists went into hiding after intelligence agents came to their apartments looking for them following statements critical of government policy including a possible constitutional amendment. The M23 armed group captured major cities in eastern Congo in 2025.

On January 9 2026, National Intelligence Agency agents arrested Jordan Saidi Atibu, coordinator of the Kisangani branch of the Observatory of Parliamentary and Government Action. The Observatory of Parliamentary and Government Action was created in Bukavu, South Kivu province, several years before February 2025. M23 took control of Bukavu in February 2025.

Jordan Saidi Atibu spent 40 days in a cell with no access to light before his release. info. Serge Sindani was questioned about ties to the M23 and the Alliance Fleuve Congo. He was held for 10 days without charge.

A previous Human Rights Watch report documented 17 cases of enforced disappearances of political figures and human rights activists. Of the 17 documented enforced disappearance cases, 9 people were released and 8 remain in detention. Aubin Minaku and Emmanuel Shadary have been in National Cyber Defense Council custody since January 18 2026 and December 16 2025 respectively.

Aubin Minaku is the former president of the National Assembly as a People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy representative under former President Joseph Kabila. Emmanuel Shadary is the permanent secretary of the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy.

Six of the 17 documented cases were transferred from the National Cyber Defense Council but remain in detention, with five awaiting trials for charges of insulting the state or complicity with the M23.

On March 9 2026, the Kinshasa/Ngaliema Peace Tribunal convicted Parole Kamizelo on the charge of insulting the head of state. Parole Kamizelo is a People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy member arrested by CNC agents on December 6 2025. On May 9 2026, a military court convicted three Lutte pour le Changement (Lucha) members of threatening state security and sentenced them to two months in prison, releasing them for time served.

The three Lucha members organized a peaceful protest to ask for safe drinking water in Bunia, Ituri province, in March 2026. On January 20 2026, police arrested and detained four Lucha activists for organizing a peaceful demonstration about growing insecurity in Kalemie, Tanganyika province. AllAfrica reported these details from the Human Rights Watch press release.