ICJ Sets Written Pleading Schedule In DRC Case Against Rwanda

Kinshasa, August 5, 2026 - The International Court of Justice has set the written pleading timetable in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's case against Rwanda over alleged human rights violations on Congolese territory.

Following a July 20 meeting between the parties, the court president issued an order on August 4 setting October 4, 2027, as the deadline for the DRC's memorial and December 4, 2028, for Rwanda's counter-memorial.

The case, filed on June 26, 2026 by DRC Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa, is formally titled "Alleged human rights violations by Rwanda on Congolese territory (DRC v. Rwanda)." DRC co-agent Ivon Mingashang has described the allegations as extensive, spanning roughly 30 years and relying on multiple jurisdictional instruments.

Kinshasa is invoking international treaties including the Genocide Convention, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention Against Torture.

The DRC alleges that the Rwandan Defense Forces and Rwanda-backed groups, including the AFDL, RCD, CNDP and M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo, committed abuses during the Congo wars and continue aggressive actions in eastern Congo. The case forms part of Kinshasa's wider military, diplomatic and legal strategy over the conflict with Rwanda.