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Karim A.A. Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has recently wrapped up a crucial three-day visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), held from February 24 to 26, 2025.
The visit was aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the country’s eastern regions and reinforcing the importance of justice and accountability in the face of rising violence.
During his visit, Khan held important discussions with several key leaders, including President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. The talks focused on strategies to strengthen cooperation between the ICC and the Congolese government, with a primary focus on ensuring that justice is delivered to the victims of the region’s persistent violence. Khan emphasized the significance of joint efforts to hold those responsible for serious crimes accountable.
This visit follows an announcement made by Khan in October 2024, where he revealed that the ICC would be launching a new investigation into crimes committed in North Kivu province since January 2022. The situation in the region has become increasingly dire, with violent clashes between the Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group, leading to widespread devastation, including the loss of civilian lives and the deaths of peacekeepers.
Khan also met with several judicial figures, including the Prosecutor of the Cassation Court, the Auditor General of the Armed Forces, and other senior judicial officials. These discussions centered around ways to improve the national judicial system and ensure it works in tandem with the efforts of the ICC. The goal is to build a more robust and trusted judicial framework to address the country’s legal challenges and restore confidence in the justice system.
One of the more emotional aspects of Khan’s visit was his meeting with victims of sexual violence in the region. These victims shared their harrowing experiences, underscoring the urgent need for justice and reparations. Khan highlighted the ICC’s commitment to addressing crimes of sexual violence and crimes affecting vulnerable groups, including children.
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The escalating violence in the eastern DRC, particularly in the North Kivu region, remains a major concern. The M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive, leading to severe humanitarian impacts, with thousands of casualties and the displacement of many civilians. The ICC is closely monitoring the situation, urging all parties to provide information on potential crimes to aid in the investigation.
Khan’s visit also highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in ensuring justice. He expressed his gratitude to various stakeholders, including the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), for their support in addressing the crisis. He also acknowledged the contributions of national authorities and civil society groups working alongside the ICC to support justice efforts in the region.
This visit serves as a powerful reminder of the ICC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring accountability and justice for the victims of the DRC’s long-running conflict. Khan’s message was clear: the international community must continue to work together to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve.
