Three citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken their government to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), accusing it of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
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Masoso Bideri Antoinette from Minembwe, David Fati Karambi from Goma, and Mandro Logoliga Paul from Bunia filed the case on April 11, 2025, represented by four lawyers.
They allege that the DRC military carried out drone attacks between February 19 and 25, 2025, on areas inhabited by the Banyamulenge, including Gikangala and Ilundu, which resulted in many deaths, injuries, and displacement.
They also accuse the DRC military of conducting an airstrike using a Sukhoi fighter jet in Minembwe on March 10, which killed several people and damaged the local civilian airport.
In addition to these attacks, the plaintiffs claim the DRC government failed to protect the Banyamulenge from assaults by the armed group Wazalendo in various parts of Fizi Territory on March 3.
On February 23, the armed group CODECO reportedly attacked the Ituri Province, resulting in numerous deaths among the Hema ethnic group. The plaintiffs argue that the DRC government showed no willingness to intervene.
The EAC Court was also informed that the DRC government suspended banking and commercial services in North and South Kivu, allegedly to harm Congolese citizens of Tutsi ethnicity.
The plaintiffs also claim that the DRC government has arrested Tutsi Congolese on allegations of collaborating with armed groups. They cited the case of Olive Kirohaa, who was detained on March 28.
The DRC has long experienced hate speech targeting Tutsi Congolese. The plaintiffs told the court that these incidents suggest a genocidal intent, with such rhetoric being propagated even by government officials.
They have asked the court to order the DRC government to halt attacks against the Banyamulenge, Tutsi, and Hema communities, ensure their safety, and reinstate banking and commercial services in North and South Kivu.
Furthermore, Masoso, Fati, and Logoliga requested the court to compel the DRC government to compensate the Banyamulenge, Tutsi, and Hema communities for their losses and damages resulting from the attacks.
On April 11, the EACJ Registrar notified the DRC’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General to submit a written defense within 45 days, failing which the case will proceed in the government’s absence.
