DRC government and ICRC strengthen ties to improve prison conditions

Kinshasa, July 14, 2026 — In a landmark meeting on Tuesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation aimed at enhancing humanitarian action and improving detention conditions across the country, with special attention to the eastern regions.

The encounter between François Moreillon, Head of the ICRC delegation in the DRC, and Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, marked the culmination of a three-year mission by Moreillon and served as both an evaluation and a forward-looking dialogue.

Bilateral cooperation praised for tangible results

Moreillon highlighted the quality of the sustained dialogue with the Ministry of Justice, emphasizing the progress achieved in addressing critical humanitarian and detention-related challenges. The two parties reviewed key areas of collaboration, including:

• Prison funding and resource allocation
• Nutrition and living conditions for detainees
• Judicial guarantees and humane treatment
• Assistance in conflict-affected eastern provinces

According to Moreillon, the relationship between the ICRC and the Congolese authorities has evolved into a strategic and operational partnership, particularly in regions grappling with prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises.

« My visit today was an opportunity to express gratitude to the Minister for the fruitful collaboration we’ve built over the years. It was also a moment to reflect on what has been achieved and to identify new ways to strengthen our partnership. Over three years in the DRC, I’ve witnessed a growing partnership with the Ministry of Justice, one that we hope will bring lasting solutions to detention issues and better protection for detainees, especially in the East, where humanitarian needs remain acute. »

Humanitarian milestones and ongoing challenges

The ICRC has been present in the DRC since 1978, delivering humanitarian aid and advocating for the respect of international humanitarian law. In recent years, its activities have intensified in response to escalating violence and deteriorating conditions in eastern DRC, where armed groups and intercommunal clashes continue to displace populations and strain public services.

Between April 30 and May 15, 2025, the ICRC facilitated the transfer of over 1,300 demobilized Congolese soldiers and their families from Goma to Kinshasa — a journey spanning nearly 2,000 kilometers across active frontlines. The operation, conducted at the request of the DRC Ministry of Defense, the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), and the AFC/M23 armed group, underscored the ICRC’s role as a neutral facilitator in conflict contexts.

Moreillon concluded the meeting by reaffirming the ICRC’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in eastern DRC, calling for continued joint efforts to uphold their dignity and ensure compliance with international humanitarian standards.

« This partnership fills me with deep satisfaction. It sends a message of resilience and support to the Congolese people, who have endured decades of hardship, particularly in the East. Together with the Ministry of Justice, we’ve seen real progress in recent months, with rising ambitions that we hope will lead to sustainable solutions for those in detention and better protection of judicial guarantees. »

The ICRC’s ongoing work in the DRC includes promoting respect for international humanitarian law, supporting the integration of these principles into national legal frameworks, and providing essential humanitarian services to communities affected by violence and displacement.

Photo caption: ICRC delegation head François Moreillon (right) and DRC Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali during their meeting in Kinshasa.