The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the country struggles with a surge in fighting in the east.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has recently captured two major cities in eastern DR Congo, securing a significant stronghold in the region since resuming its insurgency in late 2021.
Khan says they are extremely concerned about the latest developments in Congo. The situation, particularly in the east, is severe.
He called for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law adding that no armed group, no military force, no ally of these entities has a blank cheque.
According to United Nations experts, the M23 is supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers.
Since its resurgence, the ongoing conflict between the rebel group and the Congolese armed forces has triggered a humanitarian crisis in a region that has endured unrest for three decades.
He added also said the people of the DRC are just as valuable as the people of Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, or the women and girls of Afghanistan.
During his visit, Khan is expected to meet with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, government ministers, the United Nations Secretary-General’s country representative Bintou Keita, as well as victims of the conflict and members of civil society.
The first investigation launched by the ICC after its establishment in 2002 focused on the DRC. Since then, the court has convicted three individuals for crimes committed in the country.
Additionally, in 2023, the ICC prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation into alleged crimes committed in North Kivu province since January 2022.
Khan’s office, which conducted a visit to the country in May 2023, indicated earlier this month that the current situation in eastern DRC “forms part of the ongoing investigation.”
