On September 26, 2024, the East African Court of Justice in Arusha, Tanzania, commenced proceedings in a case filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo against its neighbor Rwanda. The lawsuit alleges that Rwanda has violated Congo's sovereignty and territorial integrity by supporting rebels in the country's eastern region.
Eastern Congo, known for its vast mineral wealth including gold, coltan, and tin, has been plagued by armed conflict for decades. Over 120 groups are currently engaged in struggles for power, land, and resources, with some accused of committing atrocities against civilians. The region's instability can be traced back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which had far-reaching consequences for regional security.
Congo claims that Rwandan forces have been involved in aggression and war crimes in the east. In July 2024, United Nations experts estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan government troops were deployed in eastern Congo, fighting alongside the M23 rebel group. This group, formed in 2012 by former Congolese soldiers, has been making significant territorial gains.
The legal action seeks to hold Rwanda accountable for alleged violations of international law and secure reparations for victims. It underscores the long-standing tensions between the two countries, which share a complex history dating back to their time as Belgian colonies.
Elisha Ongoya, the lawyer representing Congo, expressed satisfaction with the case's commencement. However, Rwanda's legal team, led by Emile Ntwali, raised objections questioning the court's jurisdiction. Ntwali argued that the regional court is not equipped to handle criminal matters and pointed out procedural errors, such as Congo's failure to translate court documents into English, the official language of the court.
The East African Court of Justice, established under a 1999 treaty and ratified by the United Nations, is designed to hear cases from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. Its involvement in this high-profile case highlights the importance of regional mechanisms in addressing complex inter-state disputes.
This legal proceeding comes on the heels of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi's call for sanctions against Rwanda at the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2024. Tshisekedi's appeal at the international forum emphasizes the escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The conflict in eastern Congo has had devastating consequences, displacing millions of people since 2004 as part of the ongoing Kivu conflict. The region is home to Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest national park, which has been significantly impacted by the instability.
Presiding Judge Yohanne Masara announced that the court would review each side's arguments and deliver a ruling on the objections at a later date. This case is being closely watched by the international community, as it could have significant implications for regional stability and the future of the East African Community's integration efforts.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both Congo and Rwanda continue to face domestic challenges. Congo, with its vast rainforest second only to the Amazon, grapples with the complexities of governing a nation with over 200 ethnic groups and 242 languages. Meanwhile, Rwanda, despite its economic growth, continues to navigate the legacy of its past through unique reconciliation processes like the Gacaca courts.
The outcome of this case could potentially reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Great Lakes region and test the effectiveness of regional judicial mechanisms in resolving long-standing conflicts.