The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) wants $4.3 billion from Uganda in compensation for a conflict between the two countries nearly 20 years ago.
Between 1996 and 2003 a number of African countries, as well as independent militias and rebel groups, were involved in conflicts in the DRC, particularly in the country’s east. This followed the overthrow of the DRC’s long-serving dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko, who had governed the country (known as Zaire for most of his rule) from 1965 to 1997.
The conflict drew in a number of African countries, including southern African nations such as Zimbabwe and Namibia. The scale of the fighting, and the number of countries involved, have led to some characterizing it as ‘Africa’s World War,’ particularly the period between 1998 and 2003.
As long ago as 1999 the DRC filed a claim with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi for carrying out acts of armed aggression, abuse of human rights, and looting of natural resources. However, it withdrew its claims against Burundi and Rwanda two years later.
Uganda claimed that it was acting in self-defence, but in 2005 the ICJ ruled in favour of the DRC, saying that Uganda’s actions were illegal. The two countries were ordered by the court to negotiate reparations but talks have not been successful, leading to the current court action.
Presentations to the court began on Tuesday and are expected to continue for ten days.
[Image: David Peterson from Pixabay]