DR Congo accuses Rwanda of aiding armed groups in East African court case
Al Jazeera
DRC accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to help armed groups.
The East African Court of Justice has started proceedings on a case filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda, accusing it of violating its sovereignty and sending troops to support rebel groups in the country’s eastern region.
Eastern DRC has witnessed years of instability as more than 120 armed groups have fought for power, land and valuable mineral resources. The most powerful group is the M23 which the Congolese government – alongside the United States and France – has accused Rwanda of sponsoring. Kigali has denied the allegations.
“DRC accuses Rwanda of acts of aggression that allegedly violate its sovereignty, territorial integrity, political stability, and independence,” read a statement on social media from the Tanzania-based court. “The DRC argues that Rwanda’s actions have led to significant human rights violations in the North Kivu region,” it said.
The proceedings came a day after DRC President Felix Tshisekedi called for sanctions against Rwanda at the UN General Assembly for its alleged support for M23.
