DRC has taken Rwanda to the world court over genocide again. A law scholar explains what’s different this time
The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed a new lawsuit against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide and atrocity crimes. A legal scholar examines why this attempt might differ from two previous failed cases regarding jurisdictional issues.
Why it matters
The case represents a significant attempt to use international law to address long-standing regional conflicts and human rights violations in Central Africa.
The Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, which is the seat of the International Court of Justice. Wikimedia Commons https://theconversation.com/drc-has-taken-rwanda-to-the-world-court-over-genocide-again-a-law-scholar-explains-whats-different-this-time-286963 https://theconversation.com/drc-has-taken-rwanda-to-the-world-court-over-genocide-again-a-law-scholar-explains-whats-different-this-time-286963 Link copied Share article Share article
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) filed a lawsuit against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice at the end of June 2026. The 60-page complaint alleges acts of genocide and other atrocity crimes by Rwandan forces and their intermediaries dating from 1996 to the present day.
The DRC has twice before brought similar cases against Rwanda at this court. Both failed on questions of jurisdiction. So, what explains yet another case against Rwanda? Kerstin Bree Carlson, a scholar of international justice and author of a book on international law in Africa , examines this history and what’s behind the DRC’s confidence in its latest push.
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