The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have agreed to strengthen their partnership to enhance humanitarian action and improve detention conditions nationwide, particularly in the eastern regions. This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting on July 14, 2026, between François Moreillon, Head of the ICRC delegation wrapping up his mission in the DRC, and Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice.

This high-level exchange, serving as both a review and a forward-looking discussion, highlighted the positive outcomes of the collaboration between Congolese authorities and the ICRC. Both parties expressed their determination to consolidate this partnership to better serve humanitarian needs and address critical detention issues across the country.

François Moreillon commended the quality of dialogue and cooperation with the Ministry of Justice during his tenure. He emphasized the ongoing joint efforts on key priorities, including improving detention conditions—especially in eastern provinces where humanitarian needs remain dire.

“The purpose of my visit to the Ministry of Justice was primarily to thank Mr. the Minister for his collaboration with the ICRC over the past years. It was also an opportunity, after more than three years here, to reflect on lessons learned and explore how we can further strengthen our partnerships with the justice ministry to improve detention conditions and ensure better treatment of detainees, particularly in the eastern DRC, where the ICRC focuses its operations. The discussions covered critical areas such as prison financing, detainee nutrition, and other shared concerns with the Ministry of Justice. Our relationship is close, effective, and of high quality,” Moreillon said in a press statement following the meeting.

The meeting also addressed the pressing challenges faced by the country’s prison system, including funding constraints, detainee nutrition, and the need to strengthen their overall care. Moreillon reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to continuing its support for the Congolese Government, aiming to deliver sustainable solutions to these pressing issues.

Reflecting on his three-year mission in the DRC, Moreillon presented a positive assessment of the cooperation with Congolese authorities. He praised the progress achieved through this partnership and expressed hope that this momentum would continue to benefit the most vulnerable populations.

He concluded by renewing the ICRC’s support for communities affected by the ongoing crises in eastern DRC, urging continued joint efforts to protect their dignity, uphold their rights, and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.

“It’s a deep sense of satisfaction. It’s also a message of resilience and support that I want to send to the people of Congo, who have endured decades of suffering, particularly in the eastern DRC. In our relationship with the Ministry of Justice, we’ve seen increased momentum in recent months, along with new ambitions that, we hope, will lead to sustainable solutions for detainees and better protection of their legal guarantees,” Moreillon added during his remarks.

The ICRC has been active in the DRC since 1978, providing assistance to individuals affected by armed conflict and violence. Its work also focuses on promoting respect for international humanitarian law and integrating its principles into national legal frameworks, amid a deteriorating humanitarian and security situation—particularly in the DRC’s eastern regions.

As a neutral humanitarian intermediary, the ICRC regularly facilitates the release and transfer of detainees between conflict parties, including armed groups such as the AFC/M23—backed by Rwanda, according to Congolese authorities—and the DRC government, in line with the Geneva Conventions. Between April 30 and May 15, 2025, the ICRC supported the transfer of over 1,300 disarmed Congolese government forces and their families from Goma to Kinshasa, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers through active frontline zones. This operation was conducted at the request of the DRC Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs, MONUSCO, and the AFC/M23, with the ICRC’s involvement made possible by its role as a neutral and impartial actor facilitating humanitarian exchanges.