KIGALI, Rwanda
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights declared itself competent Thursday to hear a case filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo against Rwanda, dismissing preliminary objections raised by Kigali.
The ruling by the continental Tanzania-based court paves the way for a full hearing into alleged human rights abuses linked to the conflict in eastern Congo.
Eleven judges of the court unanimously declared that the court has full jurisdiction to hear the case, rejecting a submission by Rwanda which had said it lacked the competence.
Citing provisions of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the court declared the case Democratic Republic of Congo vs Republic of Rwanda admissible and required Rwanda to submit its responses on the merits within 90 days.
Rwanda during the initial hearing also argued that the Congo’s request is largely based on information relayed by the press, hence weakening its credibility.
The case came amid a raging conflict sparked by the M23 rebel group’s offensive in eastern Congo.
Congo filed the case in 2023, alleging serious human rights violations and aggression by Rwanda in eastern Congo since 2022.
Congo has asked the court to mandate Rwanda to remove its forces, stop supporting the M23 as well as violating human rights, provide reparations, and let the court decide on compensation and cover all costs.
The violence in eastern Congo has left more than 7,000 people dead so far this year, according to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, while the number of displaced people has climbed to over 7.8 million according to UN figures.
