The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced its intention to bring a lawsuit against Rwanda before the East African Court of Justice in Arusha, accusing its neighbour of egregious violations of sovereignty, war crimes against civilians, and breaches of international law in the protracted conflict within eastern Congo.
This legal move, confirmed on 26 September, follows escalating tensions between the two nations, with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, alongside experts from the United States and the United Nations, asserting that Rwanda has been providing military support to the M23 rebel group. Kigali, however, vehemently denies these allegations, although it has implicitly acknowledged the presence of its troops and missile systems in eastern Congo, citing security concerns amid an apparent military build-up by Congolese forces near the border.
The DRC’s lawsuit is spearheaded by Deputy Minister of Justice Samuel Mbemba, who has been instrumental in pressuring the Arusha-based court to address the grave charges. This case also coincides with ongoing proceedings against Rwanda at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and an intensified call from Kinshasa for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to expedite its investigation into Rwanda’s alleged actions.
This legal offensive is part of the broader “Justice for the DRC” campaign launched by the Congolese government, which aims to galvanise international awareness and demand justice for the conflict’s victims. The campaign underscores the immense suffering endured by civilians in eastern Congo, a region plagued by armed violence where over 120 militias are vying for power, territorial control, and access to lucrative mineral resources.
In the epicentre of this turmoil, North Kivu province has witnessed unspeakable atrocities, including mass killings and widespread sexual violence. A report published on Tuesday by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) revealed that over 10% of women living in displacement camps in the region reported being raped between November 2023 and April 2024, a statistic that highlights the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in the area.
The DRC’s pursuit of legal action against Rwanda at the East African Court and other international forums underscores the mounting pressure on Kigali, which faces increasing scrutiny and demands for accountability. As the conflict continues to devastate eastern Congo, the international community’s response will be closely watched, particularly in light of the broader implications for regional stability and the rule of law in Africa.
