In a landmark meeting in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Justice and Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali joined forces with François Moreillon, Head of Delegation for the International Committee of the Red Cross (CICR), to solidify a partnership aimed at transforming detention conditions and bolstering humanitarian action nationwide, particularly in the eastern provinces.
a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles
The landmark discussions, held on July 14, 2026, marked the culmination of François Moreillon‘s three-year mission in the country. The meeting served as both a review of past efforts and a forward-looking strategy to address critical challenges in the nation’s penal system.
During the talks, the CICR delegation head expressed deep appreciation for the Ministry of Justice’s cooperation throughout his mandate. He emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to working alongside Congolese authorities on pressing issues, with a special focus on detention facilities in conflict-affected eastern regions where humanitarian needs remain acute.
“My visit to the Ministry of Justice was fundamentally about acknowledging the partnership we’ve built together over the years. After more than three years here, it was also an opportunity to assess our progress and identify areas where we can strengthen our collaboration to enhance detention conditions and ensure proper treatment of detainees, especially in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where our activities are concentrated. We examined critical matters ranging from prison funding to detainee nutrition, always in close coordination with the Ministry of Justice. Our relationship is built on mutual trust and high-quality dialogue,” Moreillon stated to the press following the meeting.
confronting systemic challenges in detention facilities
The two parties conducted a comprehensive review of the most pressing challenges facing the country’s prison system, including:
- Inadequate funding for detention centers
- Poor nutritional standards for prisoners
- Insufficient medical and psychological care for detainees
- Limited access to legal representation
Moreillon renewed the CICR’s commitment to supporting the Congolese government in developing sustainable solutions to these systemic issues, with particular attention to the eastern provinces where conflict has exacerbated humanitarian crises.
three years of progress and future ambitions
Reflecting on his tenure, Moreillon characterized the partnership between the CICR and Congolese authorities as highly productive. “It’s been a source of profound satisfaction,” he remarked. “I want to convey a message of resilience and support to the Congolese people, who have endured decades of hardship, especially in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Justice has gained significant momentum in recent months, and we’re optimistic that these new ambitions will translate into lasting solutions for detainees and better implementation of judicial guarantees.”
a legacy of humanitarian action in the drc
The CICR has maintained a continuous presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1978, providing vital support to communities affected by armed conflict and violence. The organization’s work extends to:
- Promoting adherence to international humanitarian law
- Facilitating the integration of humanitarian principles into national legal frameworks
- Mediating the release and transfer of detainees between conflicting parties
In a notable humanitarian operation last year, the CICR successfully coordinated the transfer of more than 1,300 disarmed personnel from Congolese government forces and their families from Goma to Kinshasa—a journey covering nearly 2,000 kilometers through active conflict zones. This mission was conducted at the request of the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs, MONUSCO, and the AFC/M23 group, leveraging the CICR’s neutral and impartial status to facilitate safe passage.
looking ahead: protecting the vulnerable
As François Moreillon concluded his assignment, he reaffirmed the CICR’s dedication to supporting populations affected by ongoing crises in eastern DRC. He called for sustained joint efforts to uphold human dignity, protect civilians, and ensure strict adherence to international humanitarian law in the region.
The strengthened partnership between the Congolese government and the CICR represents a critical step toward addressing the country’s humanitarian challenges with coordinated, sustainable solutions that prioritize the rights and well-being of detainees and vulnerable populations across the Democratic Republic of Congo.