Democratic Republic of Congo

The human rights situation across the Democratic Republic of Congo remains dire, with internal conflicts and poor governance contributing to a severe food crisis and the internal displacement of nearly 5.5 million people, more than anywhere else in Africa. Over 100 armed groups are active in eastern Congo, and the imposition of martial law has facilitated abuses by government security forces. Armed groups and often abusive security forces continue to carry out massacres, abductions, rape and sexual violence, recruitment of children, and other attacks on civilians with near total impunity. The rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the media are frequently under attack. President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration has yet to demonstrate that it can bring about systemic reforms and human rights improvements ahead of the 2023 elections.