International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the country faces intensified fighting in its eastern regions, his office announced on Tuesday.
The conflict, fueled by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, has escalated in recent weeks, with the armed faction seizing two key cities, strengthening its presence in the region since resuming hostilities in late 2021.
Concerns Over Humanitarian Crisis
Speaking to reporters in Kinshasa, Khan expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation.
“We are extremely worried about recent developments in DR Congo, particularly in the east,” he said. “The message must be clear: no armed group, military force, or their allies has a blank cheque. They must adhere to international humanitarian law.”
According to UN experts, M23 receives support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in a region that has endured instability for over three decades.
“This is a critical moment to determine whether international criminal law can meet the demands of the Congolese people, who seek justice and equal application of the law,” Khan added.
Meeting with DRC Officials and Victims
During his visit, Khan is expected to meet with President Félix Tshisekedi, government officials, UN Secretary-General’s representative Bintou Keita, as well as victims of the conflict and civil society members.
The DRC was the first country to be investigated by the ICC after its establishment in 2002. Since then, the court has convicted three individuals for crimes committed in the country.
In 2023, the ICC prosecutor’s office launched an investigation into alleged crimes committed since January 2022 in North Kivu province. A previous visit to the country in May 2023 assessed the situation, and earlier this month, the ICC confirmed that the ongoing violence in eastern DRC remains a focal point of its inquiry.