Comment by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on rising hate speech and incitement in Democratic Republic of Congo

I am very concerned about the rise in ethnic-based hate speech and incitement to violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu as well as in the Kasaï and Katanga regions, after last month’s general elections.

Hateful, dehumanizing and inciteful rhetoric is abhorrent and can only deepen tension and violence in the DRC itself, as well as putting regional security at risk. I note efforts by some authorities against this behaviour, but stronger actions are needed.

I call on the authorities to thoroughly and transparently investigate all reports of hate speech and incitement to violence and to hold those responsible to account.