The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently intensified its legal actions against Rwanda in response to allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Rwandan armed forces on Congolese territory. These steps aim to bring justice to the victims of these serious human rights violations.
In May 2023, the DRC filed a complaint before the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute the alleged perpetrators of these crimes, in particular elements of the Rwandan armed forces who operate in the DRC under the cover of the M23 group. The ICC has already established a Pre-Trial Chamber to examine this complaint and decide whether a formal investigation should be opened.
Meanwhile, in August 2023, the DRC also filed a petition before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, alleging massive and serious human rights violations committed by Rwanda. This approach aims to hold Rwanda accountable before this regional jurisdiction and to obtain compensation for the victims.
Finally, in September of the same year, the DRC submitted another application to the East African Community Court of Justice. This request concerns the interpretation and application of the Treaty Establishing the East African Community, as well as other relevant legal instruments. The DRC accuses Rwanda of repeated violations of these instruments and seeks clarification and resolution of these issues by the Court.
On the diplomatic level, despite the absence of direct interactions between the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda, the President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, continues to play a mediating role within the framework of the Luanda process, designated by the African Union. Its objective is to reduce tensions between the two countries and improve their bilateral relations. It maintains regular exchanges with the Congolese and Rwandan authorities to facilitate dialogue and encourage a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
On the side of the United Nations, Secretary General Antonio Guterres expresses his deep concern about the escalation of tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. He calls on both countries to show restraint, maintain dialogue and respect their commitments within the framework of the Luanda peace process. It also encourages the use of available regional mechanisms to resolve disputes peacefully and sustainably.
Regarding the military component, the DRC has completed the deployment of the regional force of the East African Community (EAC) on its territory. The country is now awaiting the deployment of a military mission from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which will strengthen efforts to stabilize the security situation in eastern DRC.
In conclusion, the DRC is actively pursuing its legal actions against Rwanda to obtain justice and reparation for the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Rwandan armed forces in the DRC. At the same time, diplomatic and military efforts are being made to reduce tensions and improve relations between the two countries. The road to peaceful resolution of the conflict remains long, but the DRC’s determination to obtain justice is an important step towards reconciliation and stability in the region.