Goma and Bukavu’s Judicial System Crumbles Amid Ongoing Eastern DRC Conflict

March 14, 2026 - The judicial infrastructure in Goma and Bukavu has been devastated by the ongoing war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as the AFC/M23 rebellion, allegedly backed by Rwanda, clashes with government forces. A UN report covering 2025 reveals that the destruction of courts and prisons led to the loss of nearly all case files, including 36 serious crime cases, 11 of which involved conflict-related sexual violence. The report also highlights a rise in inter-ethnic tensions and hate speech, particularly against the Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities. Thirteen incidents were documented, six of which met international standards for hate speech, directly targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking populations. Despite these challenges, the UN continued its humanitarian and rights programs. Through the “Digital Identification for All” initiative, a campaign promoting birth registration reached three million people in Kinshasa, registering 174,439 children and increasing the birth registration rate in Masina from 28% in 2023 to 68% in 2025. The UN also organized 93 training and awareness sessions, reaching nearly 5,000 participants, including civil society representatives, human rights defenders, government officials, media professionals, and security personnel. Human rights observers warn that abuses continue amid escalating violence in North Kivu and South Kivu, compounded by a shortage of humanitarian aid. Civilians remain at risk as hostilities persist, including reports of drone strikes. The government denies targeting civilians. On the diplomatic front, the Washington process is addressing tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, while the Doha process focuses on resolving the conflict with AFC/M23. Despite formal progress, both initiatives face obstacles in producing tangible results, fueling mistrust and ongoing fighting.

Faits rapportés

March 14, 2026 - The judicial infrastructure in Goma and Bukavu has been devastated by the ongoing war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as the AFC/M23 rebellion, allegedly backed by Rwanda, clashes with government forces. A UN report covering 2025 reveals that the destruction of courts and prisons led to the loss of nearly all case files, including 36 serious crime cases, 11 of which involved conflict-related sexual violence. The report also highlights a rise in inter-ethnic tensions and hate speech, particularly against the Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities. Thirteen incidents were documented, six of which met international standards for hate speech, directly targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking populations. Despite these challenges, the UN continued its humanitarian and rights programs. Through the “Digital Identification for All” initiative, a campaign promoting birth registration reached three million people in Kinshasa, registering 174,439 children and increasing the birth registration rate in Masina from 28% in 2023 to 68% in 2025. The UN also organized 93 training and awareness sessions, reaching nearly 5,000 participants, including civil society representatives, human rights defenders, government officials, media professionals, and security personnel. Human rights observers warn that abuses continue amid escalating violence in North Kivu and South Kivu, compounded by a shortage of humanitarian aid. Civilians remain at risk as hostilities persist, including reports of drone strikes. The government denies targeting civilians. On the diplomatic front, the Washington process is addressing tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, while the Doha process focuses on resolving the conflict with AFC/M23. Despite formal progress, both initiatives face obstacles in producing tangible results, fueling mistrust and ongoing fighting.