The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is intensifying its legal actions at the international level to confront human rights violations and the illicit exploitation of its natural resources. Professor Ivon Mingashang, head of the government’s International Justice Task Force, recently outlined the measures taken during discussions with Congolese authorities.
This Task Force, responsible for advising and supporting the Congolese government, launched a series of legal actions before international bodies. Among these, complaints have been filed with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as the Court of Justice of the States of the East African Community, with the aim of hold Rwanda accountable for its violations of international rights and its military presence in the DRC.
The files submitted to the International Criminal Court bring together damning evidence on individuals and entities responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. These crimes, perpetrated under the cover of the M23, a rebel group supported by Rwanda, involve the responsibility of high-level personalities, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
At the same time, the DRC targets the economic aspects of the conflicts that shake it, notably the plundering of natural resources and the illicit trade in strategic minerals. These practices are identified as key drivers of recurring violence in the east of the country. To counter this dynamic, the Congolese government has called on law firms to explore economic remedies.
As part of this offensive, the DRC sent a formal notice to the American multinational Apple, accused of using minerals from illegal mining in the manufacture of its technological products. Lawyers William Bourdon (Cabinet Bourdon & Associés) and Peter Sahlas (Cabinet Robert Amsterdam), alongside Professor Ivon Mingashang, recently met in Kinshasa with President Félix Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa to coordinate future actions.
“The international community must become aware of both the serious violations of human rights and the devastating economic consequences resulting from these illicit activities. Our efforts aim to establish Rwanda’s responsibility and put an end to the abusive exploitation of our resources” , underlined Professor Mingashang.
These initiatives are part of an overall framework for the defense of Congolese interests, in pursuit of regional stability and security. Driven by unfailing determination, the Congolese government seeks to ensure justice triumphs and to promote respect for fundamental rights, in the interest of an entire people in search of peace and prosperity.