African Court concludes hearing DRC-Rwanda human rights case

Arusha. The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) has concluded hearings in the case between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda over allegations of human rights violations.

The case, Application 007/2023, was filed by DRC in October 2023, accusing Rwanda of atrocities against its citizens, constituting serious violations of human rights.

The alleged violations are connected to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where the country’s armed forces are battling the M23 rebel group, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda.

The hearings, which began on February 12, 2025, continued on Thursday, February 13, 2025, with DRC’s government urging the Court to hold Rwanda accountable.

They have called for compensation for property damage and the loss of thousands of lives, as well as the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and criminal elements from DRC.

The case was heard by nine judges, including Court President Justice Imani Daud Aboud from Tanzania and Vice-President Justice Modibo Sacko from Mali, who heard arguments from both parties.

After the conclusion of the hearings, Justice Sacko remarked that the Court had thoroughly considered the submissions and would deliberate before setting a date for the judgment.

“We thank both parties for their cooperation. The Court has taken all submissions into account and will now deliberate. You will be informed of the judgment date in due course,” he said.

Outside the courtroom, Rwanda’s Minister of Justice and Chief Government Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Ugirashebuye, told journalists that DRC was wasting time with the case, as it did not fall within the Court’s jurisdiction, which deals with human rights, not political or military conflicts.

“International treaties, including those signed by DRC in the Great Lakes region, advocate for peaceful negotiations rather than resorting to the Court,” he stated.

“If there are victims of abuse, they should be the ones to present their evidence. This case breaches certain legal provisions, but we cannot predict the Court’s ruling. Let’s wait for its decision,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Tresor Makunya, one of DRC’s 17 lawyers, said they could not fully articulate the extent of the harm caused by the rebel groups backed by Rwanda, but stressed that the people of DRC were suffering greatly.

“The situation is dire: people are dying, women are being raped, and children are suffering. All of this is being carried out by individuals supported by Rwanda, without regard for their rights to life, education, food, and healthcare,” he said.

He continued, “Explaining everything here would not capture the full extent of the suffering, but we trust this Court to deliver justice, and we believe it will issue a fair judgment that will bring peace to the people of DRC, both now and in the future.”

Earlier, in October 2023, DRC filed its complaint with the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, accusing Rwanda of committing acts of brutality, including genocide, sexual violence, and defamation of its citizens.

Additionally, DRC claims that Rwanda’s support for rebel groups has led to the destruction of critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and essential utilities like electricity and water.

DRC asserts that Rwanda is knowingly carrying out these actions to plunder the country’s resources, including valuable minerals, in violation of human rights.

Rwanda, however, has denied all allegations, calling for the case to be dismissed, arguing that it concerns a political dispute rather than a human rights issue.