The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing its neighbour of supporting rebel groups and plundering mineral resources in the conflict-ridden eastern region. The move, announced late on Monday, escalates a long-standing dispute that has destabilised the Great Lakes region for decades.
The United Kingdom issued a statement expressing support for the UN’s highest judicial body, calling for all states to respect its rulings. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “The UK stands firmly behind the international rule of law. We urge both parties to engage constructively with the court process.”
The DRC’s application alleges that Rwanda has violated UN Charter principles and the African Union’s founding treaty by arming M23 rebels, who have seized key towns in North Kivu province since 2021. Rwanda denies the claims, but UN reports have documented Rwandan troop presence on Congolese soil. The ICJ case follows a separate dispute at the East African Community and an African Union mediation effort that stalled in February.
Legal experts note that the ICJ process could take years, but the filing places political pressure on Kigali. The DRC seeks reparations and a cease-fire, along with an order for Rwanda to withdraw any personnel from its territory. Rwanda’s ambassador to the UN called the case “baseless” and a diversion from the DRC’s own governance failures.
The UK’s endorsement of the ICJ is consistent with its post-Brexit emphasis on rules-based international order. However, some analysts question whether London can maintain impartiality given its historical ties to Rwanda, including military training and aid. The UK’s statement did not address specific allegations.
Neighbouring countries have urged restraint. Angola, which brokers peace efforts, called for dialogue. The African Union’s Peace and Security Council is due to meet this week. The ICJ has not yet set a date for preliminary hearings.
The conflict has displaced over 1.5 million people in eastern DRC since 2022, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The court case adds a legal dimension to a conflict that has defied military and diplomatic resolution for two decades.
