Greetings!

We need your support! A collective of lawyers and human rights defenders filed a petition on January 21st with the Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are challenging the constitutionality of the DRC-USA Strategic Partnership Agreement signed on December 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. The collective is calling on the DRC's Constitutional Court to declare the Agreement unconstitutional.

The collective's central argument is that the agreement was not presented to the Congolese parliament before signing. This lack of parliamentary review, contravenes Article 214 of the DRC's constitution which addresses the ratification process for international agreements that involve amending DRC laws. The Strategic Partnership Agreement requires the DRC to amend its laws and possibly its Constitution within 12 months of the signing of the agreement. The lawyers contend that the agreement violates other Articles of the Constitution as well - Articles 9, 12, 215, and 217.

Their battle is not solely in the courts. They "urge the Congolese people [who have been excluded from this process] to systematically monitor the Constitutional Court's ruling on this crucial matter, which concerns the future of an entire nation and its future generations." In addition, they "call upon the Congolese people to preserve their sovereignty and ensure that no one takes it from them."

The collective is also appealing to allies and supporters of the people of the DRC to amplify their cause in the following manner:

1. Encourage journalists and media outlets to cover the case

2. Amplify the case via social media

3. Issue solidarity statements in support of their case


Contact us at info@friendsofthecongo.org or call 202-584-6512 for more information about the court case.


In solidarity,

Friends of the Congo Team

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