African Human Rights Court Clears Path for DRC’s Landmark Case Against Rwanda

By iNewsAfrica Staff | June 28, 2025

Arusha, Tanzania – In a groundbreaking decision, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) case against Rwanda, paving the way for the first-ever interstate human rights case brought before the continental tribunal.

The court, sitting in full bench on June 27, unanimously rejected Rwanda’s objections that the DRC had failed to exhaust other legal remedies. The ruling allows Kinshasa to proceed with its accusations that Kigali has supported the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, allegedly committing gross human rights violations, including mass killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment, and plunder.

“The Court finds that it is competent to hear the case under Article 5 and 34(6) of the Protocol,” stated the presiding judge. Rwanda now has 90 days to respond to the allegations on their merits.

The case, filed by the DRC in February 2025, comes amid heightened tensions and a humanitarian crisis in the eastern regions of the country. Despite a recent peace agreement brokered by the United States on the same day as the court ruling, Kinshasa insists that legal accountability must accompany diplomatic progress.

“This is not about revenge, but justice,” a spokesperson for the DRC government said. “We welcome the Court’s affirmation of African mechanisms to resolve African conflicts through law.”

Rwanda, which denies all allegations of involvement in eastern Congo, has expressed disappointment with the ruling but pledged to file a robust defense within the prescribed timeframe.

Legal experts and human rights observers say this case sets a powerful precedent for conflict resolution on the continent.

“This is a defining moment for the African human rights system,” said Professor Adebayo Kinte, an expert on African law and governance. “It reinforces the notion that no state is above scrutiny when human rights are at stake.”

As the court prepares for the next phase—substantive hearings and potential fact-finding missions—both nations remain under international watch, especially with the U.S.-mediated peace accord now in effect.

This case marks a rare instance of inter-African legal confrontation, with potentially far-reaching implications for regional diplomacy, conflict accountability, and the future role of the African Court in upholding continental justice.

iNewsAfrica will continue to provide updates as the proceedings unfold.