- Justice
Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege applauds DRC’s ICJ move against Rwanda
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former presidential candidate Denis Mukwege has welcomed the Democratic Republic of Congo’s decision to file a complaint against Rwanda with the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a statement shared on social media, Mukwege emphasized that this legal action represents a crucial step toward uncovering the truth and delivering justice for victims of decades-long conflicts in eastern DRC.
The renowned physician and human rights advocate commended Congolese authorities for their bold judicial initiative, which aims to hold Rwanda accountable for alleged violations of international law and human rights abuses. Mukwege specifically pointed to Rwanda’s alleged involvement through proxy armed groups, including AFDL, RCD, CNDP, and M23/AFC, operating in DRC territory since 1996.
Justice beyond state-level actions
While praising the ICJ filing, Mukwege stressed the need for complementary judicial mechanisms to establish individual criminal responsibility for international crimes. He urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to accelerate its investigations and prosecutions, particularly targeting military and political command chains suspected of orchestrating war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“Alongside the ICJ proceedings, we must intensify efforts at the ICC to ensure those responsible for international crimes face justice. Accountability must extend to commanders and policymakers who enabled these atrocities,” Mukwege declared.
The Nobel laureate also called for broader international cooperation under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows states to prosecute perpetrators of serious crimes regardless of where they were committed. Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of a Special Criminal Tribunal for Congo, as outlined in the UN Mapping Report, as part of a comprehensive transitional justice strategy.
Peace through accountability
Mukwege framed justice as a cornerstone for preventing future violence and fostering sustainable peace in DRC. He warned that without addressing impunity, ongoing cycles of conflict and resource exploitation would persist.
“The links between conflict prevention, transitional justice, and peacebuilding are undeniable. True reconciliation cannot occur without confronting the past and ensuring perpetrators are held to account.”
DRC’s Justice Minister and Keeper of the Seals, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, underscored the government’s commitment to this legal battle during the ICJ filing. He reiterated Kinshasa’s resolve to prioritize international law over military force, seeking reparations for victims and systemic accountability for crimes committed on Congolese soil.
This diplomatic and judicial offensive follows renewed hostilities by the M23 rebel group and alleged Rwandan aggression in eastern DRC. President Félix Tshisekedi has repeatedly pledged to pursue all available avenues—military, diplomatic, and judicial—to restore sovereignty, protect civilians, and document the plunder of DRC’s natural resources.
