The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has confirmed its jurisdiction to hear a case brought by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda, marking a significant step toward legal scrutiny of alleged human rights violations in eastern Congo. The ruling, issued on Thursday from the court’s headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, rejected all preliminary objections raised by Rwanda, which had sought to block the case.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of serious breaches of international human rights law, citing acts of aggression and support for armed rebel groups, particularly the M23, whose renewed insurgency has destabilized eastern Congo since 2022. The court’s decision paves the way for a full examination of the accusations, which include claims of atrocities committed against civilians.
In a unanimous decision, the panel of eleven judges ruled that the case, titled Democratic Republic of Congo vs Republic of Rwanda, is admissible under the legal framework of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The ruling dismisses Rwanda’s argument that the court lacks the competence to handle the case, a position Kigali maintained throughout the preliminary proceedings.
The court has now ordered Rwanda to submit its counterarguments within 90 days, setting the stage for a deeper legal confrontation over one of the most protracted and violent conflicts in the region.
Rwanda had also questioned the credibility of the evidence presented by the DRC, arguing that it was largely based on media reports rather than verifiable facts. However, the court found no basis to disqualify the case at this stage, indicating that the merits of the evidence will be examined during the main hearing.
The DRC filed the lawsuit in 2023, requesting the court to compel Rwanda to withdraw its forces from Congolese territory, cease all support to the M23 rebels, and end any actions that violate human rights. Additionally, Congo is seeking reparations and has asked the court to determine appropriate compensation for damages suffered. It has also requested that Rwanda cover all legal and procedural costs associated with the case.
The conflict in eastern Congo, exacerbated by the resurgence of the M23 rebel movement, has triggered a humanitarian crisis. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa reported that over 7,000 people have been killed in the violence this year alone. The United Nations estimates that the number of displaced persons has now surpassed 7.8 million, making it one of the largest displacement crises globally.
As the case proceeds, it is expected to draw international attention, not only for its legal implications but also for its potential to address long-standing grievances and contribute to accountability in one of Africa’s most troubled regions.