Kinshasa, DRC – (African Boulevard News) – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to strengthen their cooperation in the fight against war crimes impunity. The agreement was signed on June 1st, and both parties have pledged to intensify their efforts to bring perpetrators of war crimes to justice.
The MoU was signed by DRC’s Minister of Justice, Celestin Tunda Ya Kasende, and the ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda. It aims to enhance mutual support and cooperation between the two institutions, particularly in investigations and prosecutions related to war crimes in the DRC.
“The signing of this memorandum of understanding is a clear commitment of the DRC to fight impunity and ensure accountability for the most heinous crimes committed on its territory,” said Minister Kasende.
The ICC Prosecutor welcomed the MoU, describing it as a significant milestone in the fight against war crimes impunity in the DRC.
“This MoU marks an important step forward in our cooperation with the DRC authorities, and it will enable us to enhance our efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the most serious crimes under the ICC’s jurisdiction,” said Prosecutor Bensouda.
The DRC has been plagued by violence and conflict for decades, with numerous armed groups carrying out atrocities against civilians, including murder, rape, and forced displacement. The ICC has been investigating war crimes in the DRC since 2004, and has prosecuted several individuals, including former rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2019.
However, the ICC’s efforts have been hindered by a lack of cooperation from the DRC government, which has at times been accused of shielding individuals suspected of war crimes from prosecution. The MoU signed on June 1st is seen as a significant step towards addressing these challenges and improving cooperation between the ICC and the DRC authorities.
The MoU also includes provisions for the ICC to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to the DRC’s justice system, as well as for the exchange of information and evidence between the two institutions.
The signing of the MoU has been welcomed by human rights organizations, who have called for greater accountability for war crimes in the DRC.
“By signing this MoU with the ICC, the DRC government is sending a strong message that it is committed to ending impunity for the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the country,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch.
In conclusion, the signing of the MoU between the DRC and the ICC is a significant development in the fight against war crimes impunity in the country. The agreement will strengthen cooperation between the two institutions and improve their ability to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for atrocities in the DRC. It is hoped that this will lead to greater accountability for war crimes and a reduction in the incidence of violence against civilians in the country.
