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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has secured a significant early victory in its historic legal battle against Rwanda at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, marking a pivotal moment in the continent’s pursuit of justice and accountability. The court, based in Arusha, Tanzania, ruled in favour of Congo on preliminary objections raised by Rwanda, allowing the case to proceed to full hearings on the merits.
This is the first-ever inter-state case to be heard by the African Court, and it centers on allegations that Rwanda has violated the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights by supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo. The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the insurgents responsible for mass killings, forced displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and looting since 2021. Rwanda has consistently denied the allegations.
The court’s decision to dismiss Rwanda’s objections and move forward with the case is being hailed as a watershed moment for African-led justice. Legal experts say it sets a precedent for how African states can resolve disputes through judicial mechanisms rather than military confrontation or political stalemates.
“This is a victory not just for Congo, but for the principle of accountability on the continent,” said a legal analyst following the proceedings. “It shows that African institutions can be trusted to handle complex and politically sensitive cases.”
The DRC filed the case in August 2023, invoking the African Charter and other regional legal instruments. The court’s ruling on the admissibility of the case came after months of public hearings, during which both sides presented arguments on jurisdiction, legal standing, and procedural compliance.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Africa and beyond, with human rights organizations, legal scholars, and regional blocs closely monitoring its progress. Many see it as a test of the African Union’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting civilians in conflict zones.
The DRC government has welcomed the ruling, calling it a step toward justice for the victims of violence in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. “We are encouraged by the court’s decision and remain committed to presenting our evidence in full,” said a spokesperson for the Congolese Ministry of Justice.
Rwanda, for its part, has yet to issue a formal response to the ruling. However, officials have previously argued that the case is politically motivated and lacks credible evidence. The Rwandan government maintains that it has no ties to the M23 rebels and has accused the DRC of failing to address internal governance and security issues.
As the case moves forward, the African Court will now begin examining the substantive claims, including whether Rwanda’s alleged actions constitute violations of the African Charter and other international obligations. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for regional diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the future of inter-state litigation in Africa.
Observers say the court’s willingness to hear the case sends a strong message that no state is above the law, and that victims of cross-border violence have a right to seek redress through legal channels. It also reinforces the role of the African Court as a credible forum for resolving disputes that have long been mired in political deadlock.
With the next phase of hearings expected later this year, all eyes will remain on Arusha as the continent watches how this landmark case unfolds.