The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s enabling environment for civil society remains constrained, despite constitutional guarantees of expression, association, assembly and press freedom. The disputed December 2023 elections, which confirmed President Félix Tshisekedi’s second term and gave the ruling UDPS and its allies a strong parliamentary majority, were marked by irregularities and fraud allegations. Initiatives to revise the Constitution have since raised concerns about attempts to alter presidential term limits and intensified political tensions.

Civic space is restricted by selective repression, political intolerance and a two-tier justice system that often targets opposition figures, journalists, human rights defenders and civil society actors. Peaceful demonstrations are frequently banned or violently dispersed, while restrictive media and criminal laws undermine freedom of expression. In eastern DRC, the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri, renewed since 2021, has transferred powers to military authorities and contributed to arbitrary arrests, prolonged pre-trial detention and military prosecutions.

The conflict in eastern DRC has sharply worsened the situation. The advance of M23 and allied forces in 2025, including the seizure of Goma, caused mass displacement, severe humanitarian needs and further threats against civil society actors and journalists, many forced into hiding. Internet shutdowns, censorship, surveillance and platform restrictions have limited documentation and advocacy.

Civil society also faces fragile funding, limited access to public information, selective consultation and public narratives portraying independent civic action as politically motivated or foreign-influenced. Still, CSOs continue to document abuses, promote rights, support communities and seek dialogue amid insecurity and shrinking civic space.