The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights announced Thursday that it has jurisdiction to examine the lawsuit filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda, rejecting Kigali’s objection to the court’s authority.
This landmark decision paves the way for the first interstate dispute to be heard before this regional judicial body.
Judge Rafaa Ben Achour, as reported by Congo’s official news agency, stated during the ruling: “The Court rejects the preliminary objections raised by the respondent and confirms its full jurisdiction over the case.”
The Court also ordered Rwanda to submit a formal response to the allegations within 90 days.
The DRC filed the case in 2023, accusing Rwanda of serious human rights violations in the eastern Kivu region, including acts of torture and human trafficking, amid an ongoing conflict since 2021.
Kinshasa has repeatedly accused the Rwandan government of supporting the M23 rebel group—an allegation Rwanda consistently denies.
The ruling follows a second hearing held on February 13, despite Rwanda’s earlier objection to the Court’s jurisdiction.
