In order to ensure that the International Criminal Court (ICC) focuses on what it describes as the systematic theft of its natural resources in eastern Congo by the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) and the M23 rebel group, the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued another formal referral to the ICC on Tuesday.
It is unclear if the new referral would change the ICC’s probe into eastern Congo, which has been ongoing since 2004.
“The government of the DRC remains deeply concerned about the suffering of the populations in the part of its territory affected by the acts referred to in this case,” Congo’s Justice Ministry said in a statement.
It further stated that the investigation and prosecution of anyone charged with violating human rights between 2022 and 2023 would be the main objectives of the referral.
In March of last year, the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group launched a new onslaught in eastern Congo, taking towns and villages in the region that borders Uganda. Over 1 million people were forced to evacuate because of the conflict.
Congo claims that neighboring Rwanda is supporting the M23. Any involvement has been refuted by the Rwandan government.
Other than stating that the investigation is focused on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed since July 2002 in the Ituri region and the North and South Kivu provinces, the ICC office of the prosecutor has not provided any other information.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has so far found three separate Congolese militia leaders guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity for their roles in the atrocities that took place in the eastern DRC.
From May 28 to May 31, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan is anticipated in Kinshasa and the rebel-affected districts of the Congo.