Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former presidential candidate, Denis Mukwege, has commended the Democratic Republic of Congo for initiating legal proceedings against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a statement released on social media, Mukwege emphasized that this action represents a vital stride towards uncovering truth and securing justice for the multitude of victims impacted by the enduring conflicts in the eastern regions of the RDC.

Doctor Mukwege extended his congratulations to the Congolese authorities for this decisive judicial step, which aims to address the alleged breaches of international law attributed to Rwanda.

“We applaud the submission of the application to the International Court of Justice by the RDC’s Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, which denounces violations of international law and human rights perpetrated by Rwanda, both directly and through armed groups under its influence (AFDL, RCD, CNDP, M23/AFC), in the RDC from 1996 to the present day,” he affirmed, following the Congolese government’s legal initiative.

While expressing strong support for this procedure before the highest judicial body of the United Nations, responsible for resolving disputes between states, Denis Mukwege stressed the necessity of activating additional judicial mechanisms. These, he argued, are crucial for establishing the individual accountability of those suspected of committing international crimes.

“In conjunction with this proceeding launched at the ICJ, we continue to urge the International Criminal Court to advance its investigations and prosecutions. The goal is to determine the individual criminal responsibility of alleged perpetrators of crimes falling under the Rome Statute, with a particular focus on holding military and political command chains accountable,” Denis Mukwege advocated.

The former presidential contender also called upon states worldwide to invoke the principle of universal jurisdiction to prosecute individuals suspected of having committed international crimes. Furthermore, he encouraged the Congolese government to implement a comprehensive national strategy for transitional justice.

“Finally, we appeal to states to exercise the principle of universal jurisdiction, and we call on the Congolese government to implement a national transitional justice strategy. This should include the establishment of a Special Criminal Tribunal for Congo, as proposed in the United Nations Mapping Report,” the former presidential candidate continued.

For the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the relentless pursuit of justice remains an indispensable catalyst for preventing future conflicts and fostering enduring peace throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“It is urgent to establish the close links between conflict prevention, transitional justice, and peace consolidation,” he maintained.

According to Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, who formally submitted the request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, the RDC places its full trust in this esteemed jurisdiction. The nation, he stated, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that law prevails over force, securing justice for all victims of crimes committed on its territory, and tirelessly working towards the establishment of a just, lasting, and accountable peace.

Since the resurgence of the AFC/M23 and the escalating Rwandan aggression in the Eastern RDC, Congolese authorities have consistently maintained that their response will extend beyond military and diplomatic avenues. On numerous occasions, President Félix Tshisekedi has instructed the government to bolster the international judicial front. This strategic focus aims to secure reparations for the damages suffered, prosecute those alleged to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, and systematically document the extensive looting of the RDC’s natural resources.