# Human rights and political-security crisis in DRC > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/human-rights-and-humanitarian-efforts-in-drc > Updated: 2026-10-09T05:30:50.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to face institutional, humanitarian, and political-security challenges. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has defended its independence before the National Assembly following a recommendation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) to downgrade its status from ‘Status A’ to ‘Status B’. CNDH president Paul Nsapu Mukulu cited the need for adequate financial and human resources to maintain autonomy and pledged to improve protections for human rights defenders in conflict zones. Political tensions have escalated following a televised address by former President Joseph Kabila, who broke a long silence to criticize President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration. Kabila accused the government of institutionalizing tribalism and nepotism, describing the country as being under a dictatorship and in peril. He specifically alleged that authorities lack the will and means to resolve the conflict in the east and expressed concerns regarding potential constitutional changes and strategic mineral agreements. Kabila promised to present new political initiatives to ‘save the DRC’ in the coming weeks. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya dismissed Kabila as a ‘man of the past’ who offers nothing but chaos, further alleging links between the former president and rebel groups such as M23. Other officials, including Vice-Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba, issued rebuttals questioning Kabila’s legitimacy. Amidst these disputes, an African Union panel of facilitators concluded meetings in Kinshasa with President Tshisekedi to discuss peace processes in the Great Lakes region. The panel plans to continue its mission in Uganda and Burundi, including field visits to North Kivu and Ituri to assess the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict. On the security front, reports indicate that the DRC armed forces (FARDC), supported by Wazalendo groups, have retaken several strategic localities in the Masisi territory, pushing rebel coalitions back from certain areas. ## Claims - Former President Joseph Kabila accused President Félix Tshisekedi of institutionalizing tribalism and nepotism. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Kabila claimed the current government lacks the will and means to win the war in the East. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Kabila opposed the project to modify the Constitution, accusing Tshisekedi of attempting to stay in power. (corroborated by 3 sources) - An African Union panel of facilitators met with the DRC government in Kinshasa to discuss peace in the East. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Joseph Kabila announced he would present new political initiatives in the coming days and weeks to address the national crisis. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya described Kabila as a man of the past who offers only chaos. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The DRC armed forces (FARDC), supported by Wazalendo, have reportedly retaken several strategic localities in Masisi. (single source) - Former intelligence chief Kalev Mutond has died in Paris. (single source) - Jean-Pierre Bemba accused Joseph Kabila of cheating in the 2006 elections. (single source) - The African Union panel of facilitators includes former presidents from Ethiopia, Kenya, Botswana, and Central African Republic. (single source) - UDPS official Peter Kazadi claimed Joseph Kabila is preparing to lead a branch of the rebellion in the East. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-09: Joseph Kabila criticizes Tshisekedi administration and announces new initiatives Former DRC President Joseph Kabila has accused President Félix Tshisekedi of nepotism and failing to win the war in the East, prompting sharp rebuttals from government officials. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drc-interior-minister-meets-icrc-delegation-to-discuss-humanitarian-aid ### 2026-09-24: DRC Human Rights Commission defends independence amid status risks DRC's Human Rights Commission president Paul Nsapu Mukulu defends the institution's independence amid potential international status downgrades and pledges stronger collaboration with civil society. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drc-human-rights-commission-defends-independence-amid-status-risks --- Cite as: Human rights and political-security crisis in DRC. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/human-rights-and-humanitarian-efforts-in-drc