The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed an unprecedented case against Rwanda at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, accusing it of human trafficking, torture, and backing the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo.
Kinshasa claims Rwanda has supported M23 since 2021, leading to killings, displacement, and infrastructure destruction. Congo is seeking a court order for Rwanda to withdraw its forces, stop supporting M23, and pay reparations.
This marks the first interstate dispute at the African Court, which typically hears cases from individuals and NGOs.
The hearing comes amid ongoing conflict in North Kivu province.
M23 rebels now claim control of Goma, with over 3,000 people killed and 500,000 displaced since January, according to the UN. At least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 from South Africa, have died in clashes.