ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan visits the DRC amid escalating conflict involving the M23 group backed by Rwanda. He emphasizes the necessity of complying with international humanitarian laws while seeking to engage with local and international authorities for peace. Khan’s efforts include an appeal for witnesses and a push for a special court in the DRC, alongside regional leaders’ initiatives for a ceasefire and peace talks.
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amidst intensifying conflicts in the eastern region. His visit comes as the Rwanda-backed M23 group has gained control over key cities, establishing a significant presence since restarting its insurgency in late 2021. Khan expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, emphasizing the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law by all armed entities involved.
During his visit, Khan aims to engage with Congolese authorities, including President Félix Tshisekedi, as well as UN officials like Bintou Keita. He has called for an end to the violence, particularly in North Kivu, where the M23 has continued its offensive against the Congolese army. His mission seeks to uphold justice amid the ongoing crisis, highlighting the need for accountability regarding the conflict’s impact on the local population.
Khan remarked, “How many generations of your children are going to be sacrificed? Enough is enough. Too many people have interfered in the affairs of this country…” He reiterated the equal value of the Congolese people, comparing their plight to global crises in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and Afghanistan. Earlier this month, the ICC Prosecutor appealed for witnesses to crimes committed during the conflict, underscoring the necessity of state cooperation for his investigations.
In conjunction with his work, the ICC aims to foster the development of a special court within the DRC. Meanwhile, regional leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) have designated new facilitators for peace talks concerning the eastern conflict. Notable figures include former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
The regional blocs have pushed for an immediate ceasefire between the M23 rebels and Congolese forces, but previous calls for peace have seen little compliance. As the M23 continues to advance, scenes of unrest, including panic and looting in the town of Uvira, have been reported. New peace negotiations are scheduled for February 28, aiming to outline strategies to address the continuing crisis.
Karim Khan’s visit to the DRC highlights the urgent need for international humanitarian law adherence amidst escalating violence by the M23 group. His emphasis on accountability reflects a broader objective to bring justice and resolution to the ongoing conflict. Regional cooperation and peace initiatives are critical as the situation remains precarious with ongoing military advancements and a call for immediate ceasefire still unmet.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
