The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi hosted the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, on Tuesday at the African Union City in Kinshasa.
According to the DRC presidency, their discussions primarily focused on the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where armed groups, including the M23 rebels, are accused of committing widespread atrocities.
During the meeting, Prosecutor Khan made a public appeal for witnesses to come forward with evidence of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity occurring in the occupied territories. “Those who have evidence on crimes of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity are requested to send them to the ICC website,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of accountability and justice for the victims.
The ICC signed a memorandum of understanding with the DRC government in 2023, underscoring its commitment to monitoring developments in the volatile eastern region. Khan reiterated that the Congolese population has the fundamental right to protection and justice. He assured that the ICC is actively engaged in assessing and investigating human rights violations in the area.
As part of ongoing international efforts to address the crisis, Kinshasa is set to host an international conference on peace, security, and justice in April 2025. This high-level summit aims to explore the root causes of instability in eastern DRC and formulate lasting solutions. According to Professor Taylor Lubanga, the DRC-ICC Cooperation Monitoring Officer, the conference will also discuss the possibility of establishing a Special Criminal Court for the DRC to prosecute those responsible for serious crimes.
The escalating violence in eastern DRC, exacerbated by long-standing ethnic tensions and foreign interventions, has resulted in massive displacement, humanitarian crises, and widespread human rights abuses. The ICC’s intervention, alongside diplomatic efforts led by the Congolese government and international partners, is expected to reinforce the push for justice and stability in the region.
