The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was officially elected to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, alongside Benin, Gambia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, representing the Africa group. Despite concerns over human rights violations in the DRC, all five countries will serve three-year terms starting January 1.
The DRC secured 172 votes out of 190, in an uncontested election for the Africa group’s five available seats. While the election proceeded without surprise, controversy stirred in Kinshasa, where opposition groups demanded stronger human rights protections before the DRC sought a seat on the Council.
Some NGOs raised alarms over arbitrary arrests of opposition candidates like Seth Kikuni and activists including Jacques Sinzahera, Gloire Saasita, Gloria Senga, Robert Bunda, and Chadrack Tshadio. Human Rights Watch condemned the repression of opposition members, civil society activists, and journalists during the 2023 presidential election. The group also highlighted the lack of accountability for Congolese security forces involved in the killing of at least 57 people in Goma in August 2023. Ethiopia and Kenya faced similar criticism.
Congolese authorities, however, celebrated the election, affirming their commitment to the responsibilities that come with their new role on the Council.