By AFP – Agence France Presse
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has commenced an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by armed groups in the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision follows a formal referral from the DRC government, with a focus on the M23 rebel group accused of carrying out attacks in the resource-rich North Kivu province. The government claims that the Tutsi-led militia is receiving support from Rwanda, although Rwanda denies any involvement in the violence.
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has confirmed that a prompt preliminary examination will be undertaken to assess the interconnectedness of the situations referred by the DRC government. The ICC, established in 2002 to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, conducts comprehensive preliminary examinations to determine the necessity of a full investigation. Notably, the court has previously convicted three former militia leaders, including Bosco “Terminator” Ntaganda, who received a 30-year prison sentence for his involvement in mass murder, rape, and abduction.
Since its reemergence in late 2021, the Tutsi-led M23 has gained control over significant territories in North Kivu province, resulting in the displacement of over one million people. While the DRC government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23, Rwanda vehemently denies any connection. Despite conflicting positions among Western nations, including the United States, independent United Nations experts tend to align with the DRC’s allegations. The eastern region of the DRC has long been plagued by the presence of armed groups, stemming from conflicts that erupted in the 1990s and 2000s.
