DRC government and ICRC strengthen detention and aid partnerships
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government have formalized an enhanced collaboration to address humanitarian needs and improve detention conditions, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. This landmark agreement was announced following a high-level meeting on July 14, 2026, between ICRC delegation head François Moreillon and DRC Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali.
Strengthening a vital humanitarian partnership
The discussions served as both a review of past cooperation and a roadmap for future initiatives. Both parties highlighted the progress achieved through their joint efforts while acknowledging the persistent challenges in detention facilities across eastern DRC. The meeting underscored the critical importance of sustained collaboration in addressing these systemic issues.
François Moreillon emphasized the quality of dialogue maintained throughout his three-year mission in the DRC. He noted that the partnership with the Ministry of Justice has enabled significant strides in improving detention conditions and ensuring humane treatment of prisoners, particularly in conflict-affected eastern provinces where humanitarian needs remain acute.
“My visit to the Ministry of Justice was primarily an opportunity to express gratitude for the excellent collaboration over recent years. After more than three years in this country, it was also a chance to reflect on our achievements and identify ways to further strengthen our partnership with the justice ministry. Our shared goal is to enhance detention conditions and ensure proper treatment of detainees, especially in eastern DRC where the ICRC concentrates its activities. We discussed critical issues including prison financing, food provisions, and other shared concerns with the Ministry of Justice. Our relationship is characterized by close, high-quality cooperation.”
Addressing critical detention challenges
The meeting addressed several pressing issues facing the DRC’s prison system, including:
- Inadequate funding for correctional facilities
- Poor nutrition and healthcare for detainees
- Need for improved legal protections and due process
- Enhancing prison infrastructure and rehabilitation programs
François Moreillon reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to continuing its support for the Congolese government in developing sustainable solutions to these challenges. He expressed particular satisfaction with the recent intensification of cooperation and the emergence of new ambitions that could lead to lasting improvements in detention conditions and respect for judicial guarantees.
“I feel a deep sense of satisfaction. I also want to send a message of resilience and support to the Congolese people, who have endured decades of suffering, particularly in eastern DRC. In our work with the Ministry of Justice, we’ve seen recent progress with new ambitions that we hope will lead to sustainable solutions for those in detention and better protection of their fundamental rights.”
ICRC’s ongoing humanitarian mission in DRC
The ICRC has maintained a presence in the DRC since 1978, providing vital support to populations affected by armed conflict and violence. The organization’s work focuses on:
- Promoting adherence to international humanitarian law
- Facilitating the release and transfer of detainees between conflict parties
- Supporting healthcare and rehabilitation services
- Providing essential supplies to vulnerable populations
In a notable recent operation, the ICRC facilitated the transfer of over 1,300 demobilized government forces and their families from Goma to Kinshasa between April 30 and May 15, 2025. This 2,000-kilometer humanitarian convoy traversed active conflict zones at the request of the DRC Ministry of Defense, MONUSCO, and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
The operation highlighted the ICRC’s unique role as a neutral intermediary capable of facilitating humanitarian exchanges between opposing parties in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.
The strengthened partnership between the DRC government and the ICRC represents a significant step forward in addressing the country’s complex humanitarian challenges while upholding the dignity and rights of all Congolese citizens.
Photo caption: ICRC delegation head François Moreillon meets with DRC Minister of Justice Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali to formalize enhanced cooperation agreements.
