The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have agreed to deepen their collaboration in improving detention conditions and strengthening humanitarian action, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting on July 14, 2026, between ICRC delegation head François Moreillon, concluding his mission in the DRC, and Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice.
Strengthening detention conditions and humanitarian responses
This high-level meeting served as both an assessment and a forward-looking session, highlighting the positive outcomes of the government’s collaboration with the ICRC. Both parties expressed their determination to consolidate this partnership to better address detention challenges and humanitarian needs in the DRC.
François Moreillon commended the quality of dialogue and cooperation with the Ministry of Justice over his three-year tenure, emphasizing the shared work on critical priorities such as improving detention conditions, particularly in the eastern provinces where humanitarian needs remain acute.
“My visit to the Ministry of Justice was primarily to thank the Minister for our collaboration over the years. It was also an opportunity, after more than three years here, to reflect on what we have achieved and identify where we can further strengthen our partnership to improve detention conditions and ensure better treatment of detainees, particularly in eastern DRC. We discussed key issues such as prison financing, food supply, and other shared concerns with the Ministry of Justice. Our relationship is strong and productive,” Moreillon stated during the post-meeting press briefing.
Addressing systemic challenges in detention facilities
During the discussions, both parties reviewed the main challenges facing the country’s prisons, including funding shortages, inadequate food supplies, and the need to enhance detainee care. Moreillon reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to continuing its support for the Congolese government in finding sustainable solutions to these pressing issues.
As his mission in the DRC drew to a close, Moreillon reflected positively on the cooperation developed with Congolese authorities, citing significant progress achieved through this partnership. He expressed hope that this momentum would continue to benefit the most vulnerable populations.
“I leave with a deep sense of satisfaction. It is also a message of resilience and support to the people of Congo, who have endured decades of hardship, especially in the eastern DRC. In our work with the Ministry of Justice, we have seen recent progress with new ambitions that, we hope, will lead to lasting solutions for detainees and better respect for judicial guarantees,” Moreillon added.
ICRC’s ongoing humanitarian role in the DRC
The ICRC has been active in the DRC since 1978, providing assistance to those affected by armed conflict and violence. Its work includes promoting respect for international humanitarian law and integrating these principles into national legal frameworks. The organization operates in a context of deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions, particularly in the eastern regions of the country.
As a neutral humanitarian intermediary, the ICRC facilitates the release and transfer of detainees between conflicting 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 government forces personnel and their families from Goma to Kinshasa, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers through active conflict 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 neutral role being crucial in enabling this humanitarian exchange.
