DRC vs Rwanda Case Postponed at African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights

 

The public hearing of the case filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda at the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) has been postponed. 

DRC filed the case accusing Rwanda of conducting military operations within its territory and supporting the M23 rebel group that has been engaged in ongoing armed conflict in eastern Congo.

DRC is seeking an order from the court for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from DRC's borders, cease supporting the M23 rebels, and compensate the victims of the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. 

However, Rwanda has firmly denied the allegations and, over the past two days, has been challenging the court's jurisdiction to hear the case, arguing that it should not be accepted by AfCHPR.

Among Rwanda's objections is the argument that victims of the conflict should have used domestic legal avenues in Congo before resorting to filing a case at the African Court. 

Rwanda also criticized Congo for relying heavily on media reports to gather evidence for its claims, rather than presenting testimonies from the actual victims of the violence.

"The sources used by Congo to support their claims weaken the credibility of their case," said a spokesperson for the Rwandan government. "This is a step that diminishes confidence in the evidence presented."

In response, DRC denied Rwanda’s arguments, stressing that its evidence comes from various credible sources, including documents from United Nations agencies and aerial images that confirm Rwanda’s military activities within DRC's territory. 

DRC insists that it is not required to use domestic legal mechanisms, as the issue involves international concerns and regional security.

"Our evidence comes from reliable sources, including international organizations and satellite imagery," said the DRC lawyer. 

"We will not allow our complaints to be dismissed under the pretext of not using domestic channels."

The court has given both parties eight days to file written submissions and present their arguments. 

After this period, the court will decide whether it has the jurisdiction to continue with the case and whether it will proceed with the hearing.

It remains to be seen whether the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights will intervene in this ongoing military and political conflict between the two neighboring nations, or whether it will rule that this is not the appropriate forum for such a case.