Daniel Ruiz, head of the office of the UN mission for stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO/Goma), has announced last week-end that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will initiate an investigation on illegal acquisition of lands in Northern Kivu. This was reported by l’Agence de Presse congolaise.

“Given the situation of illegal acquisition of various land plots in this area, to the detriment of the majority, ICC will initiate an investigation which could lead to lawsuits for the abusive acquisition of lands and destruction of environment. A decision which falls in line with the ICC’s prosecutor statement last September, Mrs. Fatou Bensouda,” said the official during a briefing session.

Ruiz here was referring to the decision of the ICC’s prosecutor office to now consider land grabs as crimes against humanity.

Souha Touré