As Christmas and New Year's festivities approach, Democratic Republic of the Congo's Human Rights Minister, Samuel Mbemba Kabuya, has called on employers in the country to respect payment deadlines for workers' remunerations. In a communiqué published on November 13, 2026, in Kinshasa, Mbemba emphasized the fundamental nature of the right to remuneration and its link to human dignity. He noted that this right is guaranteed by both international legal instruments ratified by the DRC and national legislation.
Mbemba referenced Article 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which recognizes every worker's right to fair wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value, without discrimination. At the African level, Article 15 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights also guarantees every person the right to work in fair and satisfactory conditions and receive equal pay for equal work. In the DRC, Article 36 of the Constitution ensures that each worker receives fair and satisfactory remuneration, guaranteeing them and their family a life in line with human dignity.
The Minister also cited Article 7 of the Labour Code, which defines remuneration as all gains evaluable in cash and due by the employer to the worker under the employment contract or legal and regulatory provisions. Remuneration includes not only salary or treatment but also commissions, cost-of-living allowances, bonuses, profit-sharing, gratuities, sums paid for complementary months, supplementary benefits, and the value of benefits in kind and leave-related allowances.
Mbemba stressed that remuneration is a right and an imperative of human dignity and social justice. With year-end celebrations approaching, he urged employers to take necessary measures to pay workers' remunerations on time. The goal is to enable workers to celebrate Christmas and New Year in respect of their fundamental rights and human dignity.
The Minister's recommendation aims to remind employers of their obligations towards workers. Mbemba's communiqué was published on November 13, 2026, as a reminder of the importance of respecting workers' rights. Employers are expected to adhere to payment deadlines to avoid any negative consequences.
Workers in the DRC often face challenges in receiving their salaries on time. Mbemba's call is expected to put pressure on employers to prioritize workers' rights. The Minister's efforts aim to promote social justice and protect human dignity in the workplace.
The issue of delayed salary payments affects many workers in the DRC. With the year-end celebrations approaching, Mbemba's reminder to employers is timely. Workers' rights advocates and human rights organizations are likely to welcome the Minister's initiative to promote fair labour practices.
Key points
- DR Congo's Human Rights Minister Samuel Mbemba Kabuya urges employers to pay workers' salaries on time before Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
