DR Congo’s case against Rwanda moves ahead as World Court sets timetable

The International Court of Justice has set the timetable for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s case accusing Rwanda of violating international law. Kinshasa must file its arguments by October 2027, with Kigali’s response due in December 2028.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest judicial body, has fixed the timetable for the written phase of the case brought by the Democratic Republic of Congo against Rwanda.

Kinshasa filed the case on June 26, accusing Kigali of breaching four international conventions covering genocide, racial discrimination, discrimination against women and torture.

Under the schedule set by the court, the DRC must submit its written memorial by October 4, 2027, while Rwanda has until December 4, 2028, to file its response.

Allegations spanning three decades

In its application, the DRC argues that the alleged violations date back to 1996 and have continued for nearly 30 years, causing millions of deaths, injuries and cases of sexual violence.

Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of committing crimes through armed groups it describes as Kigali’s proxies, including the M23 rebel movement. It also alleges Rwanda pursued the persecution of Hutu and Nyindu communities and the illegal exploitation of eastern Congo’s natural resources.

Rwanda has long maintained that its military actions in eastern Congo were driven by self-defence and security concerns.

Oral hearings expected in 2029

The Congolese government has stressed that the case does not challenge the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi or the June 2025 peace agreement between the two countries.

If the timetable remains unchanged, oral hearings are expected to begin in early 2029, with a judgment potentially delivered about six months later.

Should the ICJ rule in its favour, the DRC says it will seek official apologies from Rwanda, the prosecution of those found responsible and compensation for damages suffered.