DRC Civil Society Urges Stronger Justice Reforms and Human Rights Protections Under Suminwa II Govt
APDHJ Outlines Key Priorities for Justice and Human Rights Under the New Suminwa II Government
The association Act for Patriotism, Human Rights and Justice (APDHJ) has outlined its expectations following the formation of the Suminwa II Government, which ushered in new leadership at the Ministries of Justice and Human Rights.
In a statement released on September 10, 2025, APDHJ stressed that this change in leadership represents an opportunity to strengthen state action in areas critical to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.
According to the organization, the Ministry of Justice plays a decisive role in consolidating the rule of law, combating impunity, and prosecuting serious crimes. Referring to the States General of Justice (2024), APDHJ recalled that many recommendations made as far back as 2014 remain largely unimplemented, despite the adoption of the National Policy for Justice Reform (2017–2026).
As immediate priorities, APDHJ urges the new Minister of Justice to:
Strengthen local justice systems across the country
Support the induction of 2,340 newly appointed magistrates
Ensure the effective implementation of the Prison Law of June 15, 2023, which provides for sentence adjustment schemes
Human Rights Agenda
On the human rights front, the association calls for:
Stronger support for the national transitional justice policy
The adoption of key legislative texts, including a law on reparations for victims of conflict-related sexual violence
By setting out these priorities, APDHJ is raising expectations for the new ministers. The challenge, it says, is twofold: to free Congo’s justice system from chronic weaknesses and to deliver concrete responses to victims of serious crimes.
While civil society continues to play its role as watchdog, APDHJ stressed that it is ultimately political will that will determine whether these ambitions are translated into real reforms and lasting progress.
