Event Summary
Three activists from the citizens’ movement Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA) were arrested in the town of Bunia, in Ituri province, in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on 13 March 2026. They are accused of “undermining state security” after demonstrating to demand access to safe drinking water. They had notified the local authority of the organisation of this event, in accordance with Article 26 of the Constitution on 9 March 2026. They were transferred to Bunia Central Prison, where their organisation reports that they have been subjected to ill-treatment. The case has been referred to the military court in Bunia, where they appeared for the first time last week. The second hearing is scheduled for Thursday 2 April 2026. Several activists and organisations campaigning for human rights are now calling for the “immediate and unconditional” release of these activists. They condemn the rushed proceedings and flagrant violations of fundamental rights.
