Congo Establishes Advisory Council To Pursue Justice For War Crimes In The East

The Democratic Republic of Congo has created a new advisory council made up of leading international war crimes experts to support efforts aimed at securing justice for atrocities committed during the long-running conflict in the country’s eastern region.

The council will provide guidance to Congolese state institutions as they seek accountability for crimes committed during decades of violence involving armed groups competing for control of the mineral-rich region. The government also hopes to strengthen efforts to secure reparations for victims.

The conflict, which has claimed millions of lives, is rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, when many perpetrators fled into eastern Congo, contributing to years of instability and recurring violence.

Kinshasa has intensified its international legal campaign in recent months. In June, it filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing Kigali of violating international conventions on genocide, racial discrimination and torture. Rwanda has repeatedly denied the allegations.

President Félix Tshisekedi has also called for greater international recognition of the atrocities in eastern Congo, urging the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to address what he describes as a “silent genocide” and help end decades of impunity.

The renewed push for justice comes after intensified fighting involving the AFC/M23 rebel group, which seized large areas of eastern Congo. The United Nations and several Western governments accuse Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim Kigali rejects.

The newly formed Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the DRC will be co-chaired by Congolese human rights activist Julienne Lusenge and former International Criminal Court judge Howard Morrison. Other members include former U.S. war crimes ambassador Stephen Rapp and former senior ICC official Pascal Turlan, both of whom bring extensive experience in prosecuting international war crimes.