KINSHASA – The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing its neighbour of responsibility for decades of alleged human rights abuses in the conflict-torn east of the country.
The Congolese government said the case concerns what it described as widespread violations spanning more than 30 years, including massacres, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, forced displacement and other serious abuses against civilians.
Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing armed groups operating in eastern Congo, including the M23 rebel movement, which has been at the centre of renewed fighting in the region. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the group, saying its military actions are aimed at addressing security threats near its border.
In its filing, Congo alleges Rwanda has violated international conventions relating to genocide, racial discrimination, torture and other human rights protections. It is seeking a ruling from the ICJ declaring Rwanda internationally responsible, an order to halt the alleged activities, guarantees of non-repetition and financial reparations for victims.
The ICJ, the United Nations’ top court for disputes between states, confirmed receipt of the application but has not yet ruled on jurisdiction.
This is not the first time Congo has brought a case against Rwanda at the court; previous attempts were either withdrawn or dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.
There was no immediate response from the Rwandan government following the announcement.
The filing comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and stalled regional peace efforts aimed at ending long-running instability in eastern Congo, where multiple armed groups continue to operate.
