ICC Prosecutor Lands in War-Torn Congo Amid Bloodshed and Chaos
Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), his office announced on Tuesday. His visit comes at a time when fighting has intensified in the eastern part of the country.
The M23 rebel group, which is supported by Rwanda, has recently taken control of two important cities in eastern DRC. This marks a significant gain for the armed group since it resumed its attacks in late 2021.
Speaking to journalists upon his arrival in Kinshasa, Khan expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in the east. He stressed that all armed groups, military forces, and their supporters must adhere to international humanitarian law. “No one has a blank cheque to act without consequences,” he stated firmly.
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Reports from United Nations experts suggest that around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are backing the M23 rebels. The renewed conflict between this group and the Congolese military has worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis in a region that has suffered from violence for three decades.
Khan emphasized the importance of applying international criminal law fairly and equally. “The people of the DRC deserve justice just as much as those in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Afghanistan, or anywhere else in the world,” he said.
During his visit, Khan plans to meet with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, government officials, UN representative Bintou Keita, civil society groups, and victims of the ongoing conflict.
The DRC was the first country investigated by the ICC when it began operations in 2002. Since then, the court has convicted three individuals for crimes committed in the country. In 2023, the ICC prosecutor’s office launched another investigation into alleged crimes committed in North Kivu province since January 2022.
A team from Khan’s office visited the DRC in May 2023, and earlier this month, his office confirmed that the current conflict in eastern DRC remains under active investigation.
ICC Prosecutor Lands in War-Torn Congo Amid Bloodshed and Chaos
