The International Criminal Court is appealing for armed groups in eastern Congo to abide by international law. It's after fighting has spread in the mineral-rich region as the M23 rebels continue to capture key cities, intensifying the conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Over 7,000 Dead as M23 Rebels Clash with Army in Eastern Congo
Fighting in eastern Congo has claimed the lives of more than 7,000 people since January, as the Congolese army and allied groups battle the M23 rebel faction.
International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan, who arrived in Kinshasa on Monday to meet with President Felix Tshisekedi and other officials, is calling for armed groups to comply with international law. Khan expressed concern, stating, "We are extremely worried about the situation, especially in the east, where hundreds are dead and thousands more are injured. The message is clear: no armed group or force can act with impunity. They must comply with international humanitarian law."
The ICC has been investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity in Congo since 2002, with three Congolese militia leaders already convicted for their roles in atrocities.
The ongoing M23 offensive is the most significant escalation in the region in over a decade. The roots of the conflict stretch back to the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide, further fueled by the struggle for control of Congo’s vast mineral resources.
The M23 rebels have captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, further escalating tensions.
Rwanda denies supporting the rebels, instead claiming it is defending itself from Hutu militias aligned with the Congolese army. The rapid advances of the M23 have raised alarm worldwide, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning that the conflict could destabilize the entire region.
Rwanda has expressed support for the M23 rebel group's decision to withdraw from the strategic mining town of Walikale in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and for the DRC's commitment to halting hostilities as part of ongoing peace efforts.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi is considering a sit-down with Rwanda backed armed group M23.
The escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has forced the closure of 2,594 schools, impacting the education of more than 1.1 million children, according to a government statement issued by the Education Ministry on Wednesday.
Geneva, February 24, 2025 – At a high-level meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, the Democratic Republic of Congo's prime minister stated that approximately 7,000 people have been killed in fighting in the eastern part of the country since January.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo worsens after M23 rebels captured Kavumu Airport, a key hub for aid and military operations, further isolating conflict zones.
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland’s Pituffik military base amid renewed calls from President Trump for U.S. control of the island. The trip sparked protests, with Greenland’s leader calling it a "lack of respect." Trump insists Greenland is vital for U.S. security and global stability.
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland’s Pituffik military base amid renewed calls from President Trump for U.S. control of the island. The trip sparked protests, with Greenland’s leader calling it a "lack of respect." Trump insists Greenland is vital for U.S. security and global stability.
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