The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government have formalized their commitment to deepen collaboration in support of humanitarian action and the enhancement of detention conditions across the country, particularly in the eastern regions. This landmark agreement was solidified during a high-level meeting in Kinshasa between ICRC delegation head François Moreillon, concluding his three-year mission in the DRC, and Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice.
a partnership built on progress and shared challenges
During the meeting, which also served as a comprehensive review of their partnership, both parties highlighted significant strides made over recent years while acknowledging persistent obstacles in the penitentiary system. Key focus areas include funding shortages, inadequate food provisions for detainees, and the need for robust judicial safeguards—particularly in conflict-affected eastern provinces where humanitarian needs remain acute.
« The purpose of my visit to the Ministry of Justice was primarily to express gratitude to Minister Andali for our productive collaboration over the past years. After more than three years in the field, it was equally important to reflect on our achievements and identify opportunities to strengthen this partnership. Our discussions covered critical issues such as prison financing, detainee nutrition, and broader systemic improvements to ensure better treatment and monitoring of detainees in the eastern DRC, where the ICRC’s humanitarian operations are most concentrated. The dialogue underscored our close, high-quality working relationship. »
eastern drc: a focus of humanitarian urgency
The ICRC’s engagement in eastern DRC has intensified due to escalating violence and displacement, with detention facilities facing overwhelming strain. François Moreillon emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Congolese government in addressing these systemic challenges. « We are deeply satisfied with the progress achieved through this partnership, » he noted, while stressing the need to maintain momentum to improve conditions for detainees and uphold international humanitarian law.
The ICRC has been present in the DRC since 1978, providing critical assistance to civilians and detainees affected by armed conflict and violence. Its work extends to facilitating prisoner exchanges between conflicting parties—such as the Congolese government forces and the M23 armed group, supported by Rwanda according to DRC authorities—under the framework of the Geneva Conventions. In May 2025, for instance, the ICRC successfully facilitated the transfer of over 1,300 disarmed government soldiers and their families from Goma to Kinshasa, a journey spanning nearly 2,000 kilometers across active conflict zones, at the request of DRC authorities and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
looking ahead: sustaining collaboration for lasting impact
François Moreillon concluded his mandate with a message of resilience, urging continued joint efforts to protect vulnerable populations in the DRC. « This partnership has demonstrated resilience in the face of decades-long suffering, particularly in eastern DRC. Moving forward, we are optimistic that renewed ambitions will yield sustainable solutions for detainees and reinforce the protection of their rights, » he stated.
The ICRC remains steadfast in its mission to promote respect for international humanitarian law and improve the lives of those affected by conflict in the DRC, ensuring dignity and justice for all.
