ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s Key Takeaways from DRC Visit: Escalating Conflict and Renewed Justice Efforts

Introduction

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), February 26, 2025 — International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan concluded a critical visit to the DRC this week amid intensifying violence in the country’s eastern regions.

His mission centered on reinforcing accountability for atrocities committed by armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, and revitalizing the ICC’s investigative efforts.

Below are the key highlights from his engagements and announcements.

Renewed Focus on North Kivu and M23 Atrocities

Khan’s visit coincided with a dramatic escalation in conflict, as M23 rebels captured strategic cities like Goma and Bukavu in North and South Kivu provinces.

The group, allegedly supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers according to UN experts, has displaced hundreds of thousands and committed widespread abuses.

Khan emphasized that “no armed group or force has a blank cheque” under international law, signaling the ICC’s intent to scrutinize M23’s actions, including alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The ICC’s renewed investigation, announced in October 2024, prioritizes crimes in North Kivu since January 2022.

Khan stressed that the violence is interconnected with historical patterns of conflict dating to 2002, enabling the ICC to pursue accountability across decades of instability.

Call for Evidence and Witness Cooperation

Khan issued an urgent appeal for witnesses to submit evidence of atrocities—including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity—via the ICC’s online portal (OTPLink).

This effort aims to bolster cases against perpetrators from all parties, including Congolese security forces and foreign-backed militias.

Key Quote

“How many generations of your children are going to be sacrificed? Enough is enough.

The people of the DRC are as precious as the people of Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, or Afghanistan.”

Strengthened Collaboration with DRC Authorities

During meetings with President Félix Tshisekedi and Justice Minister Rose Mutombo, Khan reaffirmed the ICC’s partnership with the DRC through a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding. Key components include:

Joint case mapping to allocate prosecutions between national and ICC jurisdictions.

Forensic support to excavate mass graves and preserve evidence.

Capacity-building for Congolese courts to handle atrocity crimes under the principle of complementarity.

Khan also announced an international peace conference in Kinshasa (April 2025) to address the root causes of instability and explore the creation of a special criminal court for Congolese conflicts.

Impartial Investigations and Broader Accountability

The ICC’s mandate extends beyond M23 to examine crimes by all actors, including the Congolese military and allied militias. Khan warned against partisan narratives, stating:

“We will examine holistically, independently, and impartially the responsibility of all actors.”

Recent atrocities under scrutiny include:

Kishishe massacre (2022): Over 50 civilians were killed by M23, with victims buried in mass graves.

Attacks on hospitals and displacement camps in Goma (2025).

Sexual violence and recruitment of child soldiers by multiple armed groups.

Regional and International Implications

Khan’s visit underscores the conflict's geopolitical complexity, particularly Rwanda’s alleged support for M23.

While avoiding direct condemnation of Kigali, Khan stressed that “third-party states” facilitating violations could face scrutiny.

The ICC’s stance aligns with UN findings but risks diplomatic friction with regional actors.

Conclusion

A Critical Juncture for Justice

Karim Khan’s DRC visit highlights the ICC’s dual challenge: addressing immediate atrocities while navigating entrenched geopolitical rivalries.

The renewed investigative focus on North Kivu, with grassroots evidence collection and national capacity-building, offers a tentative path toward accountability.

However, the success of these efforts hinges on sustained international cooperation and the DRC’s political will to confront impunity. As violence escalates, the ICC’s role as a neutral arbiter remains pivotal—yet precarious—in one of the world’s most protracted humanitarian crises.

Next Steps:

April 2025 Conference: Potential establishment of a hybrid court for Congolese cases.

OTPLink Submissions: The critical window for evidence collection closes as investigations intensify.

Regional Diplomacy: Pressure on Rwanda and other actors to cease support for armed groups.

As Khan reiterated, the people of eastern DRC await tangible progress after decades of cyclical violence.