DR Congo files ICJ case against Rwanda over eastern conflict
Kinshasa wants the UN court to order Rwanda to stop alleged operations in eastern DRC and pay reparations.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
The Democratic Republic of Congo has brought Rwanda before the International Court of Justice, according to Al Jazeera, escalating a long-running dispute over the war in the DRC’s eastern provinces. The case matters because Kinshasa is asking the UN court to order Kigali to stop alleged activities on Congolese territory and to award reparations.
Al Jazeera reported that the DRC has accused Rwanda for years of direct involvement in the fighting in eastern Congo. Kinshasa says Rwanda has deployed forces and supported armed groups carrying out unlawful operations inside the DRC.
Rwanda is the target of the case filed by the DRC at the ICJ, Al Jazeera said. The court action seeks to make Rwanda halt the activities alleged by Kinshasa and compensate both victims and the Congolese government.
What Kinshasa is asking for
According to Al Jazeera, the DRC wants the court to address what it describes as Rwandan actions inside Congolese territory. The requested remedies include an order to end those activities and reparations tied to the alleged harm.
The filing comes amid continuing tension between the neighboring countries, Al Jazeera reported. The outlet said some countries outside the region are also trying to help end the conflict, though it did not name them.
The ICJ case adds a legal track to efforts around the conflict in eastern DRC. Al Jazeera framed the dispute around whether involvement by the court could affect attempts to end the war.
Discussion hosted by Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera published a 28-minute, 30-second video discussion on the case on June 28, 2026. The programme was presented by James Bays.
The guests were Demas Kiprono, executive director at the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya; Kambale Musavuli, an analyst at the Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa; and Phil Clark, professor of international politics at SOAS University of London.
The discussion focused on the DRC’s decision to take Rwanda to the court and on whether the ICJ could play a role in efforts to end the eastern DRC war, according to Al Jazeera.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.