DR Congo accuses Rwanda and M23 of undermining justice in territories under rebel control: Video
Senior officials of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have accused Rwanda and the M23 rebel group of unlawfully interfering in judicial and administrative matters in the eastern region of the country.
The accusations come amid persistent instability in areas controlled by M23.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa on September 17, DRC’s Minister of Justice, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko, stated: “In the situation we find ourselves in, they want to commit seemingly legal and legitimate acts to cover up their crimes. So it's important to remember that all these actions are null and void. The appropriate authorities will be able to impose sanctions on these magistrates who will begin their work. You know, even to be appointed magistrates, there are criteria; you cannot appoint a magistrate who is over 62 years old.”
“The principle is to refer all cases of misconduct to mediation. As long as we have all chosen to give it a chance, the more the day goes by, the more they reveal their true intentions,” Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media, said.
“That's why it's important that all Congolese understand us and say no, because no one can ally themselves with those whose only goal is to kill and intimidate."
The remarks follow failed efforts to establish peace in the eastern region. In July, the DRC and M23 signed a Declaration of Principles, brokered by Qatar, agreeing to a permanent ceasefire with plans for implementation by August 18. However, the ceasefire did not take effect, as M23 withdrew from the talks, citing alleged violations by the DRC and the failure to release M23 prisoners.
These developments occurred after a separate agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, mediated by the United States and Qatar, was signed in Washington on June 27.
The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, particularly in North and South Kivu. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
