International

International court prosecutor to probe crimes in eastern Congo following government request

Recently, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced the opening of a preliminary investigation in Congo. This comes after the Congolese authorities requested an inquiry into alleged crimes in the North Kivu province from January 2022 onwards.

It is the second time that Congo has sought an investigation by the ICC, with the first request made in 2004, resulting in convictions of rebel leaders involved in the long-standing armed conflict in the resource-rich nation.
The recent referral asks the ICC prosecutors to focus to “investigate particular armed forces and groups” responsible for crimes in North Kivu, where over 120 armed groups are engaged in conflict for reasons such as territorial disputes and control over valuable mineral resources, as well as community protection.

Just recently, fighters associated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), believed to have ties with the Islamic State group, were responsible for the deaths of at least 17 individuals, according to authorities.

Conflict escalated towards the end of 2021 when the M23 rebel group, which had been largely dormant for nearly a decade, resurfaced and began capturing territory. The M23 gained prominence a decade ago when they took control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, situated on the border with Rwanda.

The group takes its name from a peace deal signed on March 23, 2009, which they accuse the Congolese government of failing to implement. The prolonged conflict has had a devastating impact on the civilian population, with approximately 5.5 million people internally displaced in eastern Congo, as reported by the United Nations.

Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that his preliminary assessment will investigate all crimes in the region, “irrespective of affiliation or nationality.” His initial step will involve evaluating whether Congo’s request can be integrated with prior investigations and cases.

Meera Verma

Recent Posts

Centre Opposes Ex-Judges Panel To Monitor Stubble Burning In SC

The Centre on Friday opposed a proposal in the Supreme Court to form a committee…

11 hours ago

“It’s A Celebration For Us”: Delhi HC Bar Association Felicitates CJI Sanjiv Khanna

The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Friday honored Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv…

11 hours ago

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Israeli PM Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court has recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,…

12 hours ago

Cal HC Stays Demolition Of Illegal Constructions In WB’s Mandarmoni

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged…

12 hours ago

SC To Pass Order On Pleas To Efface Words ‘Secular’, ‘Socialist’ From Preamble

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would deliver its order on November 25…

13 hours ago

Air Pollution: SC Questions Delhi Govt On Truck Entry Amid GRAP-4 Restrictions

The Supreme Court raised concerns on Friday about the "drastic" consequences of the GRAP Stage…

13 hours ago