DRC President Tsisekedi Hit with ICC Criminal Charges Over Massacres and Abduction

Lawyers representing the Katanga Civil Society have formally lodged a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against President Félix Tshisekedi, accusing him of “crimes against humanity.” The complaint, filed on Friday, details allegations of “massacres” and “massive human rights violations” perpetrated within the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During a video release from the ICC headquarters in The Hague, the lawyers presented what they termed “serious facts” to the Court’s prosecutors. These observations were gathered from numerous localities across Katanga, including Lwilu, Lubuka, Malemba Nkulu, and Kilobelobe. The legal team asserted that President Tshisekedi and those serving him have implemented a “policy of terror,” leading to “serious violations of human rights and murder” specifically targeting political opposition.

Further accusations include “kidnappings,” “prolonged and illegal detentions without access to legal counsel or family members,” “tortures,” and even “disappearances.” A notable case cited is that of “Pastor Murunda,” who was allegedly kidnapped abroad in Zambia, despite holding refugee status, and whose whereabouts remain unknown. The lawyers also issued a “public notice” to the ICC, expressing concern about the potential for these “same acts” to recur and escalate.

The complaint draws a direct link between these violent acts and efforts to “control of state power” and “the plundering of mineral resources.” The plaintiffs additionally accuse the government of establishing “militias,” including those affiliated with Tshisekedi’s party, characterized by “recruitment in ethnic backgrounds, close to President Tshisekedi.” The proliferation of “hate speech” against individuals opposing the regime or holding contrary opinions, which are deemed alliances with “enemies of the regime,” was also denounced. This hostile environment, according to the lawyers, has already culminated in the denounced massacres and carries the risk of engendering further similar atrocities. As of the report, neither the Congolese presidency nor the office of the ICC prosecutor has provided an immediate reaction to the complaint.