### Justice and peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo: between hope and disillusionment
The recent arrival of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, in Kinshasa, constitutes a crucial moment for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prey to instability for several decades. His visit, marked by the commitment to develop a roadmap on justice, aims to respond to a burning concern: the cycle of violence perpetuated by armed conflicts, mainly in the east of the country. However, this event raises several questions about the effectiveness of international interventions in the face of deeply rooted local realities.
Karim Khan set his suitcase in a context where the North Kivu region is the scene of incessant fighting between the Congolese government forces and the M23, a militia which, according to observers, benefits from Rwandan support. The situation recalls the dynamics of violence in the DRC, where geopolitical and economic issues often overlap with humanitarian suffering. This visit is therefore both an opportunity to recall the importance of justice and a challenge to be met.
### A warning for crime authors
During his statements, Karim Khan put on the table stakes that go beyond simple legal considerations. “Too many people have interfered in the affairs of this country,” he said, illustrating the persistent external influence that weakens the DRC. It is not surprising that this assertion evokes the disparities between peace speeches and reality on the ground. Indeed, from the colonial period to contemporary interventions, the history of the DRC is marked by interference, whether via state or non -state actors.
The metaphor for “poison” which it associates with crime resonates strongly when it is considered that nearly 30 million Congolese live in rural areas without secure access to justice. In addition, recent data show that, since the beginning of 2021, the number of people displaced in eastern DRC has crossed the 5 million heading, a phenomenon that highlights the urgency of a proactive approach . The speeches are there, but what about concrete actions?
### A complex survey: cooperation and local challenges
The investigation launched by the ICC, the objective of which is to assess the crimes committed since January 2022 in North Kivu, is above all a call for cooperation. The Congolese authorities, who invited the prosecutor to conduct this investigation, must themselves face internal issues, ranging from corruption to inability to maintain public order. However, without an assertive political will, the impact of such an investigation may be limited.
The importance of synergy between the ICC and local governments is essential. This implies not only collaboration with the rulers, but also an inclusiveness of civil society organizations and human rights groups. The conclusions of the work of the ICC may seem distant for populations victims of conflicts, but they nevertheless carry a possible hope towards reconciliation and sustainable appeasement.
### Towards a special court: a light at the end of the tunnel?
In addition to the current investigation, the Karim Khan office plans to create a special court to treat past and present atrocities. Such a court could act as a catalyst, making it possible to judge crimes while offering a form of restorative justice for the victims. However, the implementation of such a project is not free from challenges. Chronique instability, internal political pressures and the distrust of the population towards the authorities can hinder its realization.
Historically, similar initiatives have emerged in other countries in the grip of conflicts, such as Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. If the concept of transitional justice has been able to play a significant role in the rehabilitation of the country, the key to Its success lies in the membership and participation of local populations. How not to question the capacity of the international community to adapt to local needs, by learning errors from the past?
### Conclusion: an arduous path to peace
Karim Khan’s visit to Kinshasa is both a symbol of hope and a recall of the poignant realities experienced by millions of Congolese. The problem of justice in the DRC is not only legal, it is eminently social, historical and political. The word given by the prosecutor must result in concrete and lasting acts, based on cooperation between all stakeholders.
It is an opportunity to erect a real dialogue between local, regional and international actors. This requires a paradigm shift: to do justice not only an objective to be achieved, but a foundation on which to build a peaceful future. In other words, it is imperative to recall that justice, to be truly effective, must be anchored in the reality of the lives of the Congolese, going beyond the strictly judicial framework to embrace a truly humanitarian approach.