The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have agreed to deepen their collaboration aimed at bolstering humanitarian efforts and improving detention conditions nationwide, with particular focus on the eastern provinces. 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.

The meeting, which served as both a review and a forward-looking discussion, highlighted the positive trajectory of cooperation between Congolese authorities and the ICRC. Both parties expressed their determination to consolidate this partnership to better serve humanitarian goals and address critical detention challenges across the DRC.

François Moreillon commended the quality of dialogue and collaboration maintained with the Ministry of Justice throughout his tenure. He emphasized the close coordination between the ICRC and Congolese authorities on key priorities, including improving detention conditions—especially in the eastern provinces where humanitarian needs remain acute.

“My visit to the Ministry of Justice was primarily to express gratitude to the Minister for his collaboration with the ICRC over recent years. It was also an opportunity, after more than three years in the country, to reflect on lessons learned and explore ways to further strengthen our partnership with the Ministry of Justice. Our shared goal is to enhance detention conditions and ensure proper monitoring of prisoner treatment, particularly in the eastern DRC, where the ICRC’s operations are concentrated. Discussions covered critical issues such as prison financing, food provision, and other shared concerns with the Ministry of Justice. Our relationship is marked by close, high-quality collaboration,” Moreillon stated to the press following the meeting.

The two sides also examined major challenges facing penitentiary institutions, including funding constraints, inmate nutrition, and improved care systems. The ICRC delegation leader reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to continuing its support alongside the Congolese Government to deliver sustainable solutions to these pressing issues.

After three years in the DRC, Moreillon presented a positive assessment of cooperation with Congolese authorities. He welcomed progress achieved through this partnership and expressed hope that the momentum would continue to benefit the country’s most vulnerable populations.

He concluded by renewing the ICRC’s support for communities affected by crises in eastern DRC, while urging sustained joint efforts to protect their dignity, uphold international humanitarian law, and address their humanitarian needs.

“This experience fills me with deep satisfaction. It is also a message of resilience and support I wish to extend to the people of Congo, who have endured suffering for over three decades—particularly in the eastern DRC. Additionally, in our work with the Ministry of Justice, we’ve seen significant progress in recent months, with new ambitions that we hope will lead to durable solutions for detainees and stronger safeguards for judicial guarantees,” Moreillon added during his remarks.

The ICRC has been present in the DRC since 1978, providing assistance to people affected by armed conflict and violence. The organization works to promote respect for international humanitarian law and its integration into national legal frameworks, especially amid worsening humanitarian and security conditions in eastern DRC.

In its role as a neutral humanitarian intermediary, the ICRC regularly facilitates the release and transfer of detainees between conflict parties, including between armed groups such as the M23—allegedly 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 Congolese military personnel and their families from Goma to Kinshasa. This humanitarian operation, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers through active conflict zones, was conducted at the request of the DRC Ministries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, MONUSCO, and the M23, with the ICRC’s neutral and impartial role central to its success.