DRC: Referendum Law Proposal and Constitution Change Fears Raise Alarm at UN Human Rights

Jean-Claude Katende, President of the African Association for the Defence of Human Rights (ASADHO), raised significant concerns at the United Nations Human Rights Council on October 9, 2026, regarding a proposed referendum law and potential constitutional amendments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that these initiatives could lead to widespread unrest. This alert underscores a critical juncture in the DRC's political and legal landscape, where fundamental governance structures are under review, potentially impacting the stability and democratic principles of the nation. The specific details of the proposed referendum law and the nature of the contemplated constitutional changes were not elaborated upon in the excerpt, but their mere prospect has triggered alarm from a prominent human rights advocate, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding constitutional reform in the country.