Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, following renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Following the renewal of fighting in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), I would like to remind all those involved that I am monitoring developments on the ground with the utmost vigilance.
The victims are, and will always remain, my number one priority. Regrettably, the unremitting violence that is wreaking havoc in the region reflects the terrible cost of impunity. Once again it is the civilian population in the Kivus which is paying the price for others in the region who resort to weapons over dialogue.
All those involved in the fighting in eastern DRC must refrain from committing crimes.
Justice must be done to enable the DRC to break free of this downward spiral of violence. I will not hesitate to broaden my investigations to include any new allegations of crimes within the Court's jurisdiction and, if necessary, to prosecute those responsible. There can be no amnesty, no immunity, and no impunity for these crimes.