Denis Mukwege welcomes DRC’s CIJ referral against Rwanda and urges CPI action

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former presidential candidate Denis Mukwege has praised the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for filing a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a statement released on X and obtained by this publication, Mukwege hailed the move as a critical step toward uncovering the truth and delivering justice for victims of conflicts in eastern DRC.

The renowned activist and gynecologist emphasized the significance of this legal action in addressing alleged violations of international law by Rwanda, both directly and through proxy armed groups operating in the DRC since 1996.

Legal accountability as a pillar for lasting peace

“We commend the Congolese government’s decision to submit a complaint to the International Court of Justice, exposing Rwanda’s direct and indirect violations of international and human rights law through its support of armed factions like the AFDL, RCD, CNDP, and M23/AFC,” Mukwege stated.

While endorsing the ICJ proceedings, Mukwege urged the activation of additional judicial mechanisms to hold individuals accountable for international crimes. He stressed the need for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intensify its investigations and prosecutions to establish criminal responsibility, particularly targeting military and political command chains.

“Beyond the ICJ referral, we urge the ICC to pursue its investigations rigorously to identify and prosecute those bearing individual criminal responsibility for crimes under the Rome Statute,” Mukwege added.

A call for universal jurisdiction and transitional justice

The Nobel laureate also called on states to apply the principle of universal jurisdiction to prosecute suspected perpetrators of international crimes. He further advocated for the DRC government to implement a comprehensive national transitional justice strategy, including the establishment of a Special Criminal Tribunal for Congo, as proposed in the UN Mapping Report.

“Justice is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic tool for preventing renewed violence and fostering sustainable peace in the DRC,” Mukwege remarked. “There is an urgent need to link conflict prevention, transitional justice, and peace consolidation.”

DRC’s Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, who submitted the ICJ complaint in The Hague, reaffirmed the country’s confidence in the court’s ability to uphold justice. He emphasized that the DRC’s response to Rwanda’s alleged aggression extends beyond military and diplomatic measures to include a robust judicial strategy aimed at reparations, accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the systematic documentation of resource pillaging.

Image: Denis Mukwege