International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to strengthen the ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the volatile eastern regions of the country.
Khan’s visit is part of the ICC’s dedication to ensuring accountability for atrocities that have plagued the region for decades, particularly in provinces such as Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, where armed groups continue to perpetrate violence against civilians.
During his visit, Khan will hold high-level meetings with DRC government officials to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in gathering evidence and bringing perpetrators to justice. He is also scheduled to engage with representatives from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, to assess security conditions and ongoing international efforts to stabilize the region.
“Our commitment to justice for victims of heinous crimes in eastern DRC remains steadfast,” Khan said upon arrival. “The voices of those affected must be heard, and justice must be delivered without fear or favor.”
In addition to formal meetings, the Prosecutor will meet with victims’ groups, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders. These discussions are expected to focus on the impact of the violence on communities, the protection of witnesses, and the importance of a victim-centered approach to justice.
The ICC has been investigating crimes in the DRC since 2004, with previous cases involving notorious militia leaders such as Thomas Lubanga and Bosco Ntaganda, both convicted for their roles in recruiting child soldiers and committing crimes against humanity. However, recent escalations in violence by groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the March 23 Movement (M23) have intensified calls for renewed international action.
Khan’s visit comes at a critical time, as the DRC government faces mounting pressure to protect civilians and address the root causes of the conflict, including ethnic tensions, competition over natural resources, and weak state institutions.
