The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed an unprecedented case against Rwanda before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Tanzania.
The DRC is alleging human rights violations by Rwanda, including human trafficking, torture, and cruel treatment. The abuses were said to be occurring in eastern Congo, near the Rwandan border.
The DRC claims that the M23 rebel group and Rwandan forces have been engaged in armed conflict in the eastern Kivu region since 2021. They say this conflict has caused massive destruction, with thousands displaced with mass killings and other human rights violations.
The DRC is praying the court to take several actions, including to mandate Rwanda to withdraw its forces. They also want Rwanda to stop supporting M23 and their violations of human rights.
Furthermore, DRC seeks reparations. They also want the court to determine compensation and cover all costs.
Historic Case Amidst Escalating Conflict
This is a landmark case. It is the first interstate dispute the court has heard since its creation on June 10, 1998, although it didn’t come into effect until January 25, 2004.
Previously, the court handled cases brought by individuals or NGOs. These cases were against states over human rights violations.
The DRC v. Rwanda hearing is taking place amid ongoing intense fighting. The M23 rebels have launched a new offensive in eastern Congo. The rebels now claim control of Goma. They have even declared their own administration in the city.
The conflict has caused a massive humanitarian crisis. Since January 26, over 3,000 people have been killed. Nearly 2,900 have been injured. More than 500,000 have been displaced. This adds to the 6.4 million people already internally displaced, according to the UN. Tragically, at least 20 peacekeepers have been killed in the clashes. Fourteen of them were from South Africa. Their remains are expected to return home on Thursday.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels. They claim Rwanda sent forces into eastern Congo when the latest offensive began. Rwanda repeatedly denies these allegations. They insist they do not support the rebels.
Who Are The M23 Rebels?
The M23 Rebels, also known as the March 23 Movement, are a rebel group operating in the eastern DRC. The name “M23” refers to the date of the peace agreement, March 23, 2009, between the Congolese government and the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), a rebel group led by Laurent Nkunda.
The M23 Rebels are primarily composed of former CNDP fighters, mostly from the Tutsi ethnic group and the ethnic group to which President Paul Kagame of Rwanda belongs. They claim to be fighting against the Congolese government’s failure to implement the 2009 peace agreement, which promised to integrate rebel fighters into the national army and provide greater autonomy for the eastern regions.
With the Tutsi people found in several countries of southern and central Africa, including DRC, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda, if this conflict is not checked, it could spiral to engulf the entire region into a military conflagration.
JolibaLive News! Believes that under the principle of non-interference in the affairs of sovereign nations, Rwanda should at least cease aiding the M23 rebels to at least keep the war from escalating. International diplomatic pressure instead can be brought to bear by concerned states to help bring peace within the Congo.
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