Accounting War Crimes in Congolese International Legal Landscape: A Scholarly Review

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced numerous conflicts and war crimes over the years, leading to a complex legal landscape where international criminal law intersects with domestic legal systems. The review employs a critical analysis approach, examining case studies, legal scholarship, and policy documents to assess how international criminal law is implemented and enforced in DRC's judicial system. There has been an increase in the number of war crimes prosecutions initiated by both national courts and international tribunals post-, particularly focusing on perpetrators from former rebel groups and government officials involved in conflicts since the mid-1990s. While there is a growing trend towards accountability for war crimes, challenges persist such as limited resources, political interference, and insufficient victim participation, necessitating further legal reforms and international support. Policy recommendations include strengthening judicial independence, enhancing cooperation between national and international justice systems, and increasing public awareness of the importance of prosecuting war crimes.