International Law and the Armed Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has drawn in neighbouring States, regional organisations, United Nations peacekeeping forces and over 100 armed groups across its territory. With a history of conflict stemming from the era of colonisation through to the First and Second Congo Wars, often described as “Africa’s World War”, the DRC of today remains plagued by violence which has resulted unimaginable suffering. Yet the conflict’s international law dimensions remain comparatively under-studied.This volume offers an examination of the role, limits and challenges of international law in its response to the protracted armed conflict in the DRC. The book brings together scholars and practitioners from Africa and beyond, analysing issues across the spectrum of international law, including the jus ad bellum, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international criminal law. Chapters address conflict classification, collective self-defence, proxy warfare and occupation, command responsibility for conflict-related sexual violence, humanitarian access, mental health and psychosocial support, MONUSCO, natural resource exploitation, displacement, accountability for war crimes, environmental harm and the protection of children.Combining doctrinal analysis with practice-based perspectives, the book questions whether and to what extent international law has and continues to adequately address the complexity of the conflict in the DRC. It will be essential reading for scholars, students, practitioners and policymakers working on international law, and peace and security in Africa.