Ezrah Kashumbusha.
ARUSHA, March 18, 2024 | The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has initiated legal proceedings against Rwanda at the East African Court of Justice in Arusha, Tanzania, amidst escalating conflict and fighting in the eastern part of the DRC.
In an application dated September 2023, amended earlier this year, the DRC accuses Rwanda of aiding war efforts and encroaching on its territorial integrity. The Minister for Justice of the DRC, Hon. Mutombo Kiese Rose, asserts in the application that Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebel group has led to gross human rights violations.
The application highlights Rwanda’s alleged violations of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial independence over the past 25 years. It seeks a declaration from the court, stating that Rwanda’s actions, including material, financial, and logistical support to armed groups, violate the DRC’s territorial integrity and contravene the East African Community (EAC) Treaty.
Furthermore, the application highlights diplomatic efforts undertaken by both countries, including participation in the International Conference on the Great Lakes and facilitation by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, as the African Union’s Peace envoy and EAC’s facilitator.
The DRC’s application also lists atrocities committed by Rwanda over the past 25 years and calls on the East African Court of Justice to order Rwanda to cease infringing on DRC territory. It requests Rwanda to withdraw its troops stationed on DRC soil.
Tensions and conflicts erupted in 2022, leading to attacks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwandan military along their borders, posing a significant national security threat to both countries in the East African region.
In response, Rwanda has denied backing the M23 rebels, claiming that the rebel group has been integrated into the Congolese army. On its part, Rwanda accuses the Congolese government of engaging in operations aimed at expelling Congolese Tutsi civilians.
