DRC: African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Officially Recognizes Congolese Genocide

The Minister of Human Rights, Samuel Mbemba, welcomed the recognition of the Congolese genocide by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) and African civil society on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Kinshasa.

He described this decision as a victory for advocacy efforts led by the presidential couple, the government, and numerous actors in Congolese civil society. According to him, the two resolutions adopted at the 85th session of the ACHPR-one from African civil society and the other from the Commission itself-constitute a decisive step toward justice for the victims.

Samuel Mbemba encouraged all Congolese citizens to take ownership of this struggle so that the perpetrators and those who ordered the genocide are held accountable. He emphasized that the recognition also reflects the commitment of President Félix Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa to compensating the victims, and he believes this development will pave the way for new international positions.