ICJ case Rwanda Congo: Kinshasa alleges treaty breaches tied to eastern Congo violence

Congo says it has filed a case at the International Court of Justice against Rwanda, alleging legal responsibility for decades of violence in eastern Congo. It cites alleged breaches of treaties on genocide, racial discrimination, discrimination against women and torture. The conflict involves multiple armed groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23, and has fuelled mass displacement and abuses.

Democratic Republic of the Congo said it filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice. Congo accused Rwanda of legal responsibility for over 30 years of violence in eastern Congo. Congo said the harm has continued since the 1990s. The filing targets actions linked to conflict in the mineral-rich eastern region.

Congo said Rwanda breached international conventions on genocide and racial discrimination. It also cited discrimination against women and torture. Congo said civilians faced massacres and extrajudicial killings. Congo also listed torture, sexual violence, forced displacement, and ethnic and gender-based discrimination in the east.

International Court of Justice case over eastern Congo violence

The court said in a statement that Congo had filed an application instituting proceedings. It did not say if it had decided on jurisdiction. Congo asked the ICJ to declare Rwanda internationally responsible for the conflict. Congo also sought orders to stop activities, require guarantees, and award reparations to Congo and civilians.

Eastern Congo has seen long conflict involving government forces and allied militias. They fight more than 100 armed groups across the region. Congo said the most potent is the Rwandan-backed M23. Congo also named other Rwanda-backed rebel groups it blames for years of violence.

M23 and eastern Congo violence linked to Rwanda dispute

M23 fighters made major advances early last year, Congo said. The fighters seized Goma and other key cities. Congo said M23 then quickly expanded its presence. The UN has called the conflict in eastern Congo one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.

The violence traces back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Hutu fighters responsible for the killings fled into eastern Congo. Rwanda has repeatedly sent troops or backed armed groups since then. Rwanda said it acted to neutralise Hutu fighters and protect its security.

International Court of Justice case follows past eastern Congo attempts

This is Congo’s third attempt to take Rwanda to the ICJ. Congolese authorities withdrew an earlier case in 2001. The court dismissed a second case in 2006 for lack of jurisdiction. The ICJ said Rwanda had not signed some treaties, had reservations, or conditions were unmet.

Rwanda’s government did not immediately respond publicly to the filing. Rwanda has consistently denied backing armed groups in Congo. UN experts have reported evidence that Rwandan troops fought alongside M23. The experts also said Rwandan troops directed M23 during operations.

International Court of Justice move amid eastern Congo peace talks

The new filing came as US- and Qatar-mediated peace talks struggled to secure a lasting deal. On Thursday, the US imposed sanctions on a Rwanda-based gold refinery. The US said Gasabo Gold Refinery was part of a network working with M23 in eastern Congo. It said the sanctions supported US and Qatari peace efforts.

Congo and the US government also accused Rwanda of using rebels as a cover. They said it was a pretext to access the region’s mineral wealth. Congo’s court filing now adds a legal track to the diplomatic efforts. The ICJ has not yet said whether it will hear the dispute.

With inputs from PTI