In the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, persistent violations of international humanitarian law continue to undermine civilian safety despite repeated commitments from national authorities and international partners. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has intensified calls for stricter adherence to these rules as armed groups multiply and civilian abuses escalate.

To address this crisis, the ICRC convened a high-level conference in Kinshasa on 23 July, focusing on raising awareness and reinforcing compliance with humanitarian law among all parties involved in the conflict.

When war rules fail to protect

The realities on the ground reveal a stark contrast between international humanitarian law and its actual application. Civilians bear the brunt of this disconnect, caught in the crossfire of shifting alliances between armed factions. The lack of clear boundaries between combatants and non-combatants further exacerbates their vulnerability.

Human rights advocate Julienne Lusenge highlights the staggering scale of sexual violence, emphasizing that women and girls are disproportionately affected. “Millions of cases of sexual violence have been recorded. Every minute, women, girls, and children—yes, even some men—fall victim to these atrocities,” she states. Lusenge urges the international community to impose sanctions on perpetrators, noting the absence of convictions for such crimes to date.

Prosecution as a tool for justice and deterrence

Lusenge also stresses the critical need to strengthen security forces and dismantle armed groups to better safeguard civilian populations. Meanwhile, military justice in the DRC asserts its commitment to holding accountable soldiers accused of abuses. General Jean-Paul Tshayikolo, a military magistrate at the High Military Court, explains the dual role of these proceedings: “While no system can guarantee zero impunity, military justice serves both as a punitive measure and an educational tool. Every verdict handed down to a soldier educates others within the military justice system. The statistics speak for themselves.”

Fragmented conflict zones challenge enforcement

More than 200 armed groups operate across eastern DRC, primarily in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika. The fluid nature of alliances among these factions complicates efforts to identify responsible parties and enforce accountability. This fragmentation not only hinders dialogue and control mechanisms but also perpetuates a climate of impunity.

The blurred line between civilian and combatant roles on the ground further complicates legal proceedings, making it increasingly difficult to prosecute violations under international humanitarian law.