The DRC is intensifying its international legal actions to defend its interests in the face of human rights violations and the illicit exploitation of its natural resources. Professor Ivon Mingashang, coordinator of the government’s International Justice Task Force, detailed the initiatives undertaken during recent discussions with the Congolese authorities.
The International Justice Task Force, established to advise and support the Congolese government, has launched several legal actions before international bodies. Among these, complaints have been filed before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as before the Court of Justice of the States of the East African Community (East African Community), aimed at to obtain the condemnation of Rwanda for its violations of international rights and for its military presence on Congolese territory.
Professor Mingashang clarified that cases have also been submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC), implicating individuals and entities responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, committed under the complicity or cover of the M23, a rebel group supported by Rwanda. Among those not mentioned is Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
At the same time, the DRC is tackling the economic dimensions of these conflicts, particularly the pillaging of natural resources and the illicit trade in strategic minerals. These activities are identified as fundamental causes of the persistent violence in eastern DRC. To respond to this problem, the Congolese government has mandated law firms to explore economic remedies.
In this context, the DRC has issued a formal notice against the American giant Apple, accused of using illegally mined minerals in the manufacture of its high-tech products. Lawyers William Bourdon (Cabinet Bourdon & Associés) and Peter Sahlas (Cabinet Robert Amsterdam), as well as Professor Ivon Mingashang, discussed in Kinshasa with President Félix Tshisekedi, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, and other relevant ministers to coordinate future actions and initiatives.
“It is crucial that the international community becomes aware of the serious violations of human rights and the economic impacts of these illicit activities. Our steps aim to establish the responsibility of Rwanda and to stop the illegal exploitation of our resources,” declared Professor Mingashang.
These initiatives are part of a broader framework of defense of Congolese interests on the criminal, civil and economic levels, in order to restore stability and security in the region.
